Spiced Mulled Wine

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes brings together red wine, orange, cinnamon sticks 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 120 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 French cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aroma should be fragrant and the liquid slightly reduced.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a heatproof container. Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices and a cinnamon stick.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mulled Wine take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Spiced Mulled Wine?

Refrigerate any leftover 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 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 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 Spiced Mulled Wine?

French quick meals 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.

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