Name: Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 bottles dry red wine; 2 cups orange juice; 1/2 cup brandy (optional); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave); 2 oranges, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cranberries; 10 whole cloves; 4 star anise; 6 cinnamon sticks

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy and festive that warms you up from the inside out, you’re going to adore this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe. I’ve pinpointed the perfect balance of spices, fruits, and wine that come together to create a drink that’s both comforting and elegant – ideal for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your kitchen smell like Christmas and your friends ask for seconds!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit that you can find year-round without fuss.
Perfect Spice Balance: Whole spices infuse gently, providing warmth without overpowering the wine’s flavor.
Customizable Sweetness: You control the sugar level, making it as sweet or dry as you prefer.
Kid-Friendly to Adult Only: Optional brandy lets you decide if you want a boozy kick or a family-friendly version.

Easy German Mulled Wine, warm festive drinks, holiday mulled wine, cozy winter beverages, homemade mulled wine - Two round glasses filled with dark red mulled wine sit on a wooden board, each glass holding a large orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise floating on top. Around the glasses are small bright orange kumquats, some whole and one sliced open, as well as a halved orange showing its juicy texture. Cinnamon sticks and star anise are scattered near the glasses, with some pine branches adding a natural touch. The scene is set against a soft glowing background with yellow fairy lights and a white marbled surface below, creating a warm and cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe truly lies in the harmony between the robust dry red wine, fresh citrus, and warm spices. Each element plays a role: the wine provides depth, orange juice adds brightness, and spices bring that iconic mulled wine scent and flavor. When shopping, I recommend fresh, firm oranges and good-quality whole spices—trust me, it makes a difference!

Easy German Mulled Wine, warm festive drinks, holiday mulled wine, cozy winter beverages, homemade mulled wine - Flat lay of two whole oranges, a small white bowl of fresh cranberries, six cinnamon sticks arranged neatly, four star anise pods, ten whole cloves scattered artfully, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing bright orange juice, and a simple glass carafe of deep red wine set on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dry red wine: Choose a full-bodied wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, but no need to splurge since it’s simmered with spices.
Orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and a citrus punch that brightens the deep flavors.
Granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave): Sweetens gently—feel free to swap in natural sweeteners for a different twist.
Oranges, sliced: Fresh slices add beautiful citrus aroma and make for pretty garnish.
Fresh cranberries: Introduces subtle tartness and a festive pop of color.
Whole cloves: Their warm, woody flavor is essential in traditional mulled wine.
Star anise: Adds a lovely licorice note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Cinnamon sticks: Classic mulled wine spice that gently infuses sweetness and warmth.
Brandy (optional): Adds a rich depth and extra warmth—great for adult gatherings but totally optional.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

The beauty of this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the spice blend slightly or experiment with the level of sweetness depending on the occasion and who I’m serving. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—after all, warming up with a spiced wine is all about comfort and enjoyment.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the granulated sugar for maple syrup, which adds a subtle, earthy sweetness that feels extra cozy.
Spice adjustments: If you prefer a softer spice flavor, reduce cloves or star anise; for more punch, add an extra cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods.
Non-alcoholic twist: I’ve also made a version with just orange juice and spiced apple cider—perfect when you want the festive flavors without the alcohol.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe

Step 1: Heat Up the Orange Juice and Sweetener

Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add your orange juice and granulated sugar (or your choice of sweetener). Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures your mulled wine won’t have any lingering graininess from undissolved sugar, which I always appreciate.

Step 2: Add Wine, Fruits, and Spices

Next, pour in the red wine along with your sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. If you’re feeling a little extra, add the optional brandy here. Stir gently to combine everything but avoid boiling – you want to warm the wine, not evaporate the alcohol. Whole spices are key—they gently release flavors without making the drink gritty or cloudy.

Step 3: Simmer Slowly

Turn your heat down to low and let the mulled wine simmer for 30 minutes. This slow simmer lets all those warm spices and fruit aromas meld beautifully with the wine’s richness. Don’t rush this part—it’s where the magic happens. If time allows, let it simmer gently for up to a couple hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste your Gluhwein. You might find you want it a bit sweeter, or maybe a stronger brandy hit. I often adjust at this point. Adding more sugar or brandy is totally fine. Just be sure to stir and heat gently after any additions to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Serve Warm, Garnished, and Enjoy!

Ladle your warm mulled wine into heat-safe mugs or glasses. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, orange peel twists, star anise, and a few cranberries for color. It looks gorgeous and invites people to cozy up with a cup. Cheers to creating a drink that feels like a warm hug!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe

Don’t Boil the Wine: Keep your heat low to prevent the alcohol from evaporating and to maintain balanced flavors.
Use Whole Spices: They infuse flavor slowly and are easier to remove before serving, so your wine stays clear and smooth.
Adjust Sweetness at the End: It’s easier to control the taste when you add sugar gradually, after tasting the finished mulled wine.
Strain Before Serving: For a clean cup, I strain the mulled wine to remove all fruit and spice pieces—this step is optional but highly recommended.

How to Serve Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe

Easy German Mulled Wine, warm festive drinks, holiday mulled wine, cozy winter beverages, homemade mulled wine - A clear glass filled with dark red mulled wine shows several layers inside: a thick slice of orange with bright orange peel and a smooth surface leaning inside the drink, dark brown cinnamon sticks standing upright, and star anise with a shiny texture floating on top. The drink glass is placed on a wooden table surrounded by dried orange slices, pine cones, cranberries, and green pine leaves. In the blurred background, two more glasses of mulled wine with similar content and warm glowing lights create a cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing my mulled wine with cinnamon sticks, a twist of orange peel, a couple of star anise pods, and a handful of fresh cranberries. These not only add visual appeal but also boost the aroma and encourage guests to slow down and savor each sip. Plus, the cinnamon sticks make a fun “stirrer” that releases a bit more spice as you enjoy.

Side Dishes

This mulled wine pairs like a dream with hearty baked goods — think gingerbread cookies, stollen, or even a warm apple strudel. I’ve also served it alongside cheese plates featuring aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, which balance the sweet, spiced wine perfectly. Simple roasted nuts or spiced pretzels work great too for casual sipping sessions.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes serve the mulled wine in mini enamel mugs with personalized name tags clipped to the handles — guests love the personal touch. Another fun idea is to serve it in clear glass mugs on a wooden board surrounded by spices and fresh fruit, making the warm drink the star of the show. Adding fairy lights nearby really amps up the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which can happen if you’re not the only one enjoying this recipe!), store everything in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually pour it into a glass pitcher or jar, making sure to remove the whole spices to prevent bitterness. The mulled wine keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze mulled wine because the texture and flavor can dull after thawing. However, if you want to save some for later, freezing in ice cube trays works well — perfect for dropping into hot tea or water for a quick spiced boost. Just be sure to transfer cubes to a freezer bag once solid to save space.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the mulled wine on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling again so you preserve those delicate flavor notes. Stir occasionally and taste as it heats — sometimes a pinch more sugar or a splash of brandy is a nice refresher after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use any type of red wine for this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe?

Absolutely! While dry, full-bodied wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir work best because they provide a rich base without being overly sweet, you can experiment with other red wines you enjoy. Just avoid very cheap or overly tannic wines, as those flavors can become more pronounced when heated.
Is it important to use whole spices instead of ground?

Yes! Whole spices release their flavors more slowly and give a cleaner, more balanced taste without clouding your mulled wine. Ground spices can make the drink gritty and overpowering. Plus, whole spices are easy to remove before serving.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Definitely! Replace the red wine with spiced apple cider or grape juice and follow the same steps. The result is just as warming and festive, perfect for kids or those avoiding alcohol.
How long can I keep mulled wine after making it?

Mulled wine stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if properly covered and with spices removed to prevent bitterness. Just reheat gently before serving.
Should I strain the mulled wine before serving?

Straining is optional but recommended if you want a clear drink free from spice bits and fruit pieces. It also makes pouring easier and more elegant for guests.

Final Thoughts

This Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for creating an inviting atmosphere with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy holiday gathering or a quiet night in, this mulled wine wraps you in those familiar, comforting flavors that feel like a warm sweater for your soul. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and soon it’ll become your go-to recipe whenever winter chills set in. Cheers, friend!