Easy Mulled Wine Recipe Inspired by European Christmas Markets

How to Make the Best Mulled Wine at Home

Merry Making Mulled Wine

This is a Christmas market staple.  Every country has a name for mulled wine:

Netherlands/German: Gluhwein

Denmark/Sweden: Glogg or Glugg

France/Belgium: Vin Chaud

I could go on and on but, you get the point.  Everyone loves mulled wine.  It is the perfect holiday drink whether you’re strolling around a Christmas market or having a party at home.  There is never a bad time for it.  It’s easy, versatile and so cozy and festive.  So, like most of my recipes, there are no rules.  Adjust to your liking.  If you love cinnamon, go crazy.  This is just a guideline to fabulousness.

So, obviously wine is main star here.  You don’t need a Chateau Margeaux but you also don’t want a headache so choose something decent, full body and fruit forward.  I chose a Bordeaux (7 euro) with a high Merlot content. 

I add a ¼ of brandy per bottle of wine, just for a little something special. 

I love the citrus notes so I added an extra tangerine and stuck some cloves in for more flavor.  No regrets.

Want the full Christmas in Europe mood?
Listen to our Christmas Markets episode while you sip on this cozy drink.

mulled Wine

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of red wine – full body, fruity, not too cheap
  • 3 tangerines, 2 sliced and one with cloves stuck in
  • ¼ cup of brandy
  • Splash of Maple syrup or honey
  • 3 Cinnamon sticks, two to cook and one for garnish
  • 3 star of anise
  • 10 or so whole cloves

Instructions

  • Throw everything in your Dutch over and simmer on low until your house smells like Christmas.  Don’t let it boil.  Serve in heat safe glasses, or mugs with a cinnamon stick and maybe an orange slice for garnish. 
  • You can also put this in the slow cooker and keep it on low.  Party guest can serve themselves and you can relax!  Recipe can also be 2x or 5x as needed.

Shop Our Mulled Wine Must Haves

For this cozy winter drink, the right tools make all the difference. From sturdy Dutch ovens to star anise and heat-safe glass mugs, these are the essentials that bring the Christmas market magic home.

Disclosure: These are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission, but we only share products we actually use and love.

Planning More Food and Drink Fun?

Explore more seasonal recipes, cocktails and stories to keep the holiday spirit going.

Fall Drinks Guide → Cozy cocktails, spiced spritzes, and easy recipes for chilly nights.
Scarebnb Halloween Episode → Haunted hotels, real ghost stories, and how we set the spooky tone for this post.
Spritz Guide → From Aperol to apple cider, find your signature fall spritz (and how to serve it right).