Slow Cooker Mulled Wine – A Must Make Holiday Beverage
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Slow Cooker Mulled Wine made using red wine, oranges, and spices is a traditional holiday beverage enjoyed the world over.
Depending on where you are, it may be called Glühwein, Glögg, Vino Caliente, Vin Chaud, Glintveinas – or something else entirely.
But regardless of what you call it, this warm delightful beverage is definitely a must-make this winter!
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Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
The full ingredients list and instructions are found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. I highly recommend reading the blog post all the way through so that you don’t miss any tips or substitution suggestions and to ensure that you have all the ingredients and equipment required as well as understand the steps and timings involved. Images in this post are for illustrative purposes only.
Mulled wine is a popular and traditional drink here in the UK, especially at Christmastime. And I’m aghast that I don’t have a recipe for it on my blog!
I have shared a recipe for Mulled Apple Cider which is a great non-alcoholic alternative.
Or you could even use red grape juice or cranberry for non-drinkers but still keep that lovely deep red color of the drink.
This is what Wiki has to say about mulled wine:
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a beverage usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins. It is served hot or warm and is alcoholic, although there are non-alcoholic versions of it. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas. It is served at Christmas markets in Europe.
Wikipedia
and if you have the time, I highly recommend reading the article to learn about the history of this drink, as well as the worldwide versions too!
Make sure you check out our list of amazing Christmas Cocktail Recipes to get you in the spirit! Right-click and open a new tab to read next.
What Does It Mean to Mull Wine?
The term “mulling, or to mull” essentially means “to heat, sweeten, and flavor”.
The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg; and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom.
It also usually includes dried fruit (such as raisins, apples, or orange rind).
Bags of mulling spices can also be bought in grocery stores and online. They often look like teabags that you just drop into the warming liquid.
What is the Best Red Wine to Use for Mulled Wine?
I am by no means a wine aficionado, however, the best red wine to use for mulled wine, is one that you enjoy drinking! Whether it is Merlot, Rioja, or something else.
Don’t use a cheap wine – it’ll just ruin the taste experience for all.
And don’t worry about using an expensive wine – there is a place and time for that, and mulled wine is not it.
Use a mid-priced wine and all will be just delicious with your mulled drink.
TIP! When making mulled wine for a crowd why not use a box of red wine which won’t break the bank!
Ingredients Used In This Beverage
For your convenience, I’ve linked any specialized ingredients needed for this recipe to Amazon below.
- Red Wine – use your favorite red – Chianti, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz – it’s all good – just don’t mix different bottles in one batch, use the same wine.
- Sugar – we use regular white sugar, but you could use light brown sugar, or even honey to sweeten the drink.
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise
- Whole Cloves
- Whole Nutmeg
- Fresh Oranges and lemons
You can also add extra booze to your mulled wine. Orange liqueurs such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier will work well, or how about a vanilla liqueur or ginger wine?
More Hot Drinks To Make
Need some more winter warmers to sip on? Try these out!
- Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider with Maple Whipped Cream
- Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Super Easy Eggnog Recipe
How Long Will Mulled Wine Keep?
If your party has gone off with a bang, you shouldn’t have any leftovers! However, if you do, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and reheat it once.
After this time it’s best to discard it, especially if using fresh fruit as it may start to ferment.
But who wants to discard wine?
You could freeze the leftovers and make Jamie Oliver’s Mulled Wine Sorbet.
Or use it up when making a beef stew instead of regular red wine.
How Do I Make Slow Cooker Mulled Wine?
Just check out the recipe card below with full ingredients and instructions. You can print the card out too (don’t worry, any pics don’t print to save your ink!).
This cocktail recipe is intended for adults of the legal drinking age in your country of residence.
Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 2 bottles of red wine
- 200 g/1cup sugar
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 whole nutmeg for grating
Optional Garnish
- Slices of orange and lemon
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Instructions
- Pour the red wine into a slow cooker pot and stir in the sugar.
- Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and 10-12 gratings of nutmeg.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the wine is hot. Switch to the "keep warm" setting if your slow cooker has one so the wine stays warm during your event. Alternatively, simmer in a saucepan over low heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot in heatproof glasses and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
Make It A Meal!
The beverage is covered, but what about other dishes to make this recipe into a full meal? Here are my suggestions!
- Appetizer: Brie and Cherry Appetizers with Phyllo Pastry Cups
- Main Dish: Quick & Easy Classic Beef Stew Recipe Ready in One Hour!
- Side Dish: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Dessert: Holiday Spice Cookies Covered with Powdered Sugar
There are 500+ Recipes on The Purple Pumpkin Blog for you to enjoy! Please feel free to check them out too.