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Is there any aroma more inviting on a chilly evening than warm spices mingling with red wine? Making a batch of Classic Mulled Wine is my absolute favorite way to welcome guests during the fall and holiday season. It instantly creates a warm, festive atmosphere, and it tastes like pure comfort in a mug.

This isn’t just warmed-up wine; it’s a careful infusion of flavor. We’re gently simmering a bottle of red wine with classic mulling spices like cinnamon and star anise, along with fresh orange slices and just a touch of sweetness.

The key is low heat and patience, allowing the spices to perfume the wine without cooking off the alcohol. For a party, I’ll let it simmer in my ‘workhorse’ Enameled Dutch Oven, which holds heat perfectly. It’s the definition of ‘wow-factor without the work’ and looks gorgeous on the stove. It’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for a crowd, and guaranteed to make your home feel like the most welcoming place on earth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Welcoming Drink: It’s warm, fragrant, and instantly makes any gathering feel more festive and special.
Incredibly Simple: If you can warm liquid on a stove, you can make fantastic mulled wine. It’s practically foolproof.
Makes Your Home Smell Heavenly: Seriously, the aroma of simmering wine, spices, and orange is worth making it for that reason alone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s fill your home with the scent of the holidays. Here’s how.

Here’s my ‘secret weapon’ for the best-ever mulled wine: skip the pre-made ‘mulling spice’ packets! They’re often just dusty and weak.

Using your own whole spices is the non-negotiable key. The ‘must-haves’ for that wow-factor holiday flavor are cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise. I always buy them in bulk (it’s so much cheaper), and they make your whole house smell amazing.

Next, combine everything in a pot. Pour your wine into a large saucepan or your Dutch oven, add your spices, orange slices, and sweetener. Give it a gentle stir.

Now for the most important part: the gentle simmer. We’ll warm the wine over low heat. The key is to let it get hot and steamy, allowing the flavors to infuse beautifully, but do not let it boil! Boiling will cook off the alcohol and can make the spices taste bitter.

Finally, serve! Use a beautiful wooden ladle (it’s so much more rustic and festive than a metal one!) to serve that fragrant mulled wine into these clear glass mugs. Using glass mugs is my #1 tip—it’s the only way to show off that gorgeous, jewel-toned color! Pure warmth and cheer.

Ava’s Notes

What Kind of Red Wine? Choose a dry, fruity, medium-bodied red wine. Something like a Merlot, Zinfandel, or a Garnacha is perfect. No need to break the bank – an affordable bottle works beautifully here. Avoid heavy, tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sweetness Control: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or sugar to your liking. Start with less, taste, and add more if needed.
Make it Ahead: Mulled wine is fantastic made ahead! Just keep it warm on the stove over very low heat or transfer it to a slow cooker set to “Warm.” Don’t let it continue to simmer.