Does the chilly outdoors have you wanting warm and cozy? Instead of your routine glass of wine, opt for slow-cooked mulled wine.  

This cozy classic isn’t just for the holidays anymore. The versatility of mulled wine has led to a year-round appreciation, turning it into a staple at gatherings, dinner parties, or even a quiet night in. Bursting with baking spices and warm, fresh fruit, mulled wine can be customized with your favourite flavours. And the best part: It goes with all kinds of snacks.  

In this blog, we’ll share fun facts as well as a wonderful recipe if you need a little inspiration to get you started.  

Everything You Want to Know About Mulled Wine​

We're celebrating mulled wine season, starting with a fun factoid: The history of mulled wine dates to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who added ingredients like honey, saffron, pepper, bay leaf, and dates. ​Also referred to as spiced wine, mulled wine is an alcoholic beverage typically crafted using red wine, a medley of spices, and occasionally raisins.  

Making mulled wine is super easy. Just choose your go-to full-bodied red, add fresh fruit and spices, then heat to simmering. Use a slow cooker; it’s ideal for making mulled wine (a saucepan will work) and your house will smell amazing too! Served hot or warm, it holds a traditional significance, particularly during the winter season.  

Another great thing about making mulled wine is you can freestyle with your recipe and ingredients, adding more spices and fruit you love the most. If you’re more of a by-the-book cooking type, we get it! In that case, check out our go-to recipe below that’s guaranteed to please. 

How to Make Mulled Wine

Creating mulled wine involves balancing a variety of flavours to achieve the perfect blend. The choice of red wine sets the foundation, and from there, it's all about the spices. The classic combination of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise imparts a festive aroma, while the addition of orange and honey brings a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the spices.  

Feel free to experiment with this recipe, adding your twist to suit your taste buds. Some like a hint of ginger for extra spice, while others may opt for a splash of brandy to elevate the alcohol content. Mulled wine is as much about personalization as it is about tradition.

Easy Mulled Wine

Ingredients​:

• 750 mL red wine (Meritage or similar)​
• 1 cup apple cider​
• 2  tbsp honey​  
• 1 tbsp sugar​
• 1 cinnamon stick​
• 1 piece star anise​
• 3 cloves, whole​
• ½ orange, whole​ 

Steps​: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.​
2. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 15 minutes. ​
3. Strain and reheat, serve with a sliced orange garnish.​  

Shop Local Wines for Your Mulled Wine Season

At Wine Rack, we've got the perfect wines for mulled wine making. ​The key lies in selecting a full-bodied wine like Meritage or a similar red to provide a robust base for the infusion of spices. 

If you're unsure about the right wine, don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable wine experts for a recommendation. We pride ourselves on offering a wide selection, ensuring you find the ideal bottle to elevate your mulled wine experience. You can visit one of our over 160 Wine Rack locations in Ontario or shop online to enjoy an easy-to-find experience with wine delivery for added convenience. 

So, the next time you plan a cozy get-together or simply want to warm up on a cold night, consider adding mulled wine to the party. With its aromatic spices, rich flavours, and the right choice of red wine, you're in for a treat. Cheers to mulled wine season – a celebration of tradition, experimentation, and the joy of sharing good times with good company!