Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine
A warm mulled wine infused with bright citrus and warming spices, perfect for sipping and embracing the comforting essence imbibed from the fragrant ingredients. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, orange slices, lemon slices for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 3 slices orange slices
- 2 slices lemon slices
- 2 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves whole cloves
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and 2 star anise.
- Step 2: Add 3 orange slices and 2 lemon slices to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat until it simmers gently (do not boil) for 20 minutes, allowing the wine to imbibe the spices and citrus.
- Step 3: Stir occasionally and smell the fragrant aroma signaling the mulled wine is ready.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into mugs and serve warm, garnished with a fresh orange slice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced mulled wine in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Spiced Mulled Wine?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
