Spiced Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm natural red wine simmered with orange slices, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a cozy spiced punch perfect for gatherings. This european-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together bottle (750 ml) natural red wine, large, thinly sliced orange, sticks 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 150 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 European cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 1 bottle (750 ml) natural red wine, 1 large thinly sliced orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and 2 star anise.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup water and 3 tbsp honey to the saucepan and stir gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Heat the mixture over low heat, bringing it just to a simmer (do not boil), and let it mull for 20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse and meld.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and strain out the spices and orange slices before serving warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon 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 Spiced Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced natural wine mulled punch with citrus and cinnamon 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 Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon?

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 Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon 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 Natural Wine Mulled Punch with Citrus and Cinnamon?

European 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.