Ina Garten’s Perfect Hot Spiced Mulled Wine Recipe

Hot Spiced Mulled Wine transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary sensory experiences with its rich, warming embrace.

Winter’s most comforting beverage weaves together aromatic spices and robust wine into a liquid tapestry of pure comfort.

Deep crimson liquid swirls with fragrant cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, creating an intoxicating sensory landscape.

Such a drink beckons friends and family to gather around, sharing intimate conversations and creating lasting memories.

Sweet-spicy notes dance across the palate, balancing robust wine with gentle warmth from carefully selected ingredients.

Ancient traditions of communal drinking come alive through this centuries-old preparation method that connects us to global culinary heritage.

Each sip promises a journey through complex flavor profiles that simultaneously soothe and invigorate.

You’ll want to savor this magical elixir slowly, letting its complex notes unfold:

Why Hot Spiced Mulled Wine by Ina Is the Perfect Winter Drink

• Warm Up Winter Nights: This mulled wine transforms chilly evenings into cozy, comforting experiences with its rich blend of spices and deep wine flavors that hug you from the inside out.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, taking just 15 minutes to create a sophisticated drink that looks and tastes professionally crafted, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or relaxed weekend entertaining.
• Sensory Flavor Symphony: Combining red wine, apple cider, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates a complex taste profile that dances between sweet, spicy, and fruity notes, delivering a delightful sensory experience in every sip.
• Festive Holiday Charm: This mulled wine serves as an excellent centerpiece for winter celebrations, holiday parties, or intimate gatherings, instantly elevating the mood and creating a welcoming atmosphere with its inviting aroma and warm temperature.

All You Need for Ina’s Spiced Wine

• Orange: Bright, zesty flavor that adds depth and freshness to the mulled wine, with peel used for garnish and interior juice contributing to the base.

• Red Wine, Apple Cider: Rich, warming base that creates the fundamental flavor profile of the mulled wine, providing depth and complexity.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the wine's acidity and adds smooth, round flavor.
• Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Star Anise: Warming spices that infuse the drink with traditional mulled wine aromatics, creating a cozy and fragrant beverage.

How to Heat and Serve Mulled Wine Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Citrus Zest

Carefully slice orange peel into long strips, avoiding white pith. Juice the orange directly into a large saucepan.

Step 2: Blend Warming Ingredients

• Apple cider
• Red wine
• Honey
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise

Add 4 orange peel strips to the mixture, saving remaining strips for garnish.

Step 3: Gently Heat Beverage

Bring liquid mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat. Allow concoction to simmer softly for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld together and aromas fill the kitchen.

Step 4: Create Cozy Drink Presentation

Carefully strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh strainer into warm mugs or heat-resistant glasses. Drape a reserved orange peel strip along the rim of each glass for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Tips for a Balanced, Fragrant Mulled Blend

• Boost Spice Freshness: Invest in brand-new whole spices from a specialty store or spice shop to guarantee maximum flavor depth and aromatic intensity in your mulled wine.
• Control Heating Carefully: Maintain a gentle, low simmer that barely bubbles to preserve the wine's delicate alcohol content and prevent flavor degradation.
• Strain Like a Pro: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove every tiny spice fragment, ensuring a silky-smooth drinking experience without unwanted texture.
• Balance Sweetness Perfectly: Start with less honey and gradually add more, tasting as you go to create a personalized flavor profile that complements the wine's natural characteristics.
• Elevate Presentation Elegantly: Twist orange peels directly over each glass to release essential oils, creating a visually stunning and fragrant finishing touch that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Keep Mulled Wine Warm Without Overcooking

• Preserve Perfection: Transfer cooled mulled wine into glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids, eliminating air exposure that might compromise flavor. Keep refrigerated for maximum taste retention, enjoying within 3 days of preparation.
• Flavor Protection: Avoid freezing this delicate beverage since alcohol and spices break down during freezing, causing significant taste degradation. Consuming fresh is always the best approach for maintaining robust wine characteristics.
• Gentle Rewarming: Revive chilled mulled wine using a low-heat stovetop method, stirring gently to distribute warmth evenly. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan, preventing direct heat scorching and preserving delicate wine nuances. Heat slowly for 2-3 minutes, stopping just before boiling to maintain original spice complexity and alcohol integrity.

Fun Additions to Spice Up the Mulled Wine

• Winter Spice Sangria: Transform the mulled wine into a chilled sangria by cooling the mixture and adding fresh orange slices, diced apples, and a splash of brandy. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving over ice.
• Citrus Berry Mulled Wine: Enhance the original recipe by incorporating mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries during the simmering process. Strain the berries before serving for an extra fruity depth.
• Bourbon-Infused Warming Brew: Elevate the mulled wine by adding a shot of bourbon to each glass after straining. The bourbon complements the existing spices and creates a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Alcohol-Free Spiced Cider: Replace the red wine with additional apple cider and add a touch more honey for a kid-friendly version. Maintain the original spice blend for a comforting, non-alcoholic winter beverage.

A Toast to Finish Ina Garten’s Winter Warmer

Warming mulled wine beckons winter gatherings with its aromatic charm.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into liquid comfort.

Complex spices dance through red wine and apple cider, creating sophisticated seasonal magic.

Fragrant orange peels and warming honey elevate this classic beverage beyond ordinary drinks.

Home kitchens can become extraordinary spaces of sensory delight with this elegant recipe.

Savor each sip, share with cherished friends, and let passionate comments fill social channels celebrating culinary warmth.

Ina Garten Hot Spiced Mulled Wine Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s hot spiced mulled wine brings warmth and cheer to winter gatherings with its rich blend of red wine, citrus, and aromatic spices. Simmering fragrant cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest creates a comforting drink you’ll want to savor by the fireplace.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Aromatics:

• 1 large navel orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks (3-inch)
• 8 whole dried cloves
• 4 whole dried star anise

Liquids:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters / 32 fluid ounces) fresh apple cider
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters / 25.4 fluid ounces) spicy red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)

Sweetener:

• ¼ cup (85 grams / 3 ounces) liquid honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Select a ripe, fragrant orange and meticulously slice away the zest using a precision knife, carefully avoiding the bitter white membrane. Extract the citrus juice directly into a spacious cooking vessel.
2. Integrate the liquid components and aromatic spices into the saucepan, including apple cider (473 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces), robust red wine, golden honey, whole cinnamon bark, fragrant clove buds, and distinctive star anise. Incorporate 4 orange zest strips into the warming liquid, preserving remaining strips for elegant garnishing.
3. Elevate the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to create a gentle, flavor-infusing simmer. Allow the aromatic blend to meld and intensify for approximately 10 minutes, permitting the spices to release their complex essence.
4. Carefully strain the infused beverage through a fine-mesh sieve into heat-resistant glassware or ceramic mugs. Adorn each serving with a reserved, artfully curled orange zest strip, presenting a visually appealing and warmth-inducing libation ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Steer Clear of Boiling: Gently warm the wine to preserve its delicate flavors and alcohol content, preventing a harsh or bitter taste that can ruin the cozy experience.
• Customize Sweet Levels: Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to find your perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
• Select Quality Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand up to the robust spices without becoming overwhelmed.
• Prep Spices Thoughtfully: Crush whole spices slightly before adding to release more intense flavors and create a more aromatic mulled wine experience.
• Let Flavors Mingle: Allow the spices to steep for at least 15-20 minutes off the heat, giving them time to infuse the wine with rich, complex notes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg