What makes my slow cooker mulled wine recipe the best? I infuse flavorful red wine with cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, fresh ginger, and more cozy fall flavors! Ready in 10 minutes on the stovetop, or simmer for up to 3 hours in the slow cooker or crockpot! Grab a few bottles of wine and make this for your next happy hour or cozy gathering!

Red Wine < Mulled Red Wine

I love mulled wine so much I drink it year round! In the spring and summer, I get my fix via my mulled wine sangria! And in the colder cozy months, I basically live for slow simmering this mulled wine recipe in my slow cooker. The perfect feel good celebration drink to enjoy around the fireplace or on the porch!

Flavored with lemon and orange slices, cloves, star anise, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns. So cozy and bursting with flavor! I add TONS of aromatics because I love a richly spiced wine mixture. But you can always peel back on the spices and add-ins, if you prefer to let the red wine flavor shine.

What You Need for Mulled Wine

• Spices: Whole cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and fresh ginger add plenty of cozy aromatic flavor!
• Citrus: For depth of flavor, I use orange peel and lemon peel. I also like to garnish the glasses with orange slices, so make sure you have plenty on hand.
• Red Wine: You’ll need 2 bottles dry red wine. No need to use expensive wine here!
• Water: This one needs no explanation.
• Kirsch: Or other cherry-flavored brandy. In a pinch, regular brand works fine, too. Or just leave this out and stick with the red wine only.
• Brown Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness, plus depth of flavor!
• Vanilla Extract: Adds rich flavor and enhances the other flavors in the recipe!

Best Red Wines for Mulled Wine

• Choose an affordable bottle, no need to splurge on anything pricey!
• Be aware of tannins and high-acid wines. These can turn bitter/metallic when heated with the aromatics. And can dominate the flavor.
• Look for red wines described as “juicy” and/or “berry-forward.” These flavors will beautifully harmonize with the spices and citrus flavors.
• I prefer low-alcohol to medium-alcohol wines. Heavier wines often have more sugar and dominant flavors.
• Merlot, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Malbec are all great red wines to use!

Stovetop Method

1. Place the cloves, peppercorns, cardamom pods, ginger, and citrus peels inside a piece of cheesecloth. Using a piece of kitchen string, tie the cheesecloth closed to form a bag.
2. Combine the red wine, water, kirsch, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Add in the cheesecloth bag of spices and stir well to combine. 
3. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Serve warm! Garnished with cinnamon sticks and orange wheels. 

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Method

1. Slice your oranges and discard the ends. Add to the crockpot along with the mulling spices. Pour in the wine and cranberry juice or brandy.
2. Heat on low for 1 hour until it becomes fragrant. Your house is going to smell amazing. Turn down to the “warm” setting, if you have one, or leave on low if you do not.
3. Serve in mugs with orange slices and a few cranberries as a garnish.
4. You can continue to add wine and cranberry juice to the existing batch as a refill.

Can I Make Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine?

Yes and no. Mulled wine usually requires wine. Now there are some great N/A red wines available, and you could use them instead of traditional red wine. Or, for a completely wine free option:

1. Mix 4 cups of apple cider with 3 cups of unsweetened cranberry juice.
2. Add spices and citrus, as directed in recipe.
3. Prepare as directed on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. Stir in 1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract right before serving.

Not a classic mulled wine, but a mulled cozy beverage everyone will enjoy – even kids!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftover mulled wine? Lucky you! Because you can pour the leftovers into a pitcher, cover them, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to strain out the citrus and spices before storing.

To reheat the mulled wine, place in a saucepan on the stove over low heat and bring to just a simmer. Or, if you have a lot of leftovers and want to slow simmer, you can pour in the slow cooker.