Name: Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 bottles dry red wine; 2 cups orange juice; 1/2 cup brandy (optional); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave); 2 oranges, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cranberries; 10 whole cloves; 4 star anise; 6 cinnamon sticks

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving something to cozy up with during those chilly evenings, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe is my go-to for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or anytime you want a warm, spiced drink that feels like a hug in a mug. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your kitchen the happiest place in the house. Let’s dive in and make something wonderfully comforting together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses easy-to-find whole spices and fruit that bring deep flavor without fuss.
Balanced Sweetness: Using sugar or natural alternatives lets you control the perfect sweetness for your palate.
Flexible Simmering Time: You can simmer for 30 minutes or longer, tailoring intensity and depth to your taste.
Optional Brandy Kick: Adding brandy is a great way to personalize the warmth and complexity, but it’s totally optional.

Easy German Mulled Wine, German Mulled Wine, Spiced Mulled Wine, Cozy Winter Drinks, Holiday Mulled Wine - Two round glasses filled with dark red mulled wine sit on a wooden board, each glass holding a large orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise floating on top. Around the glasses are small bright orange kumquats, some whole and one sliced open, as well as a halved orange showing its juicy texture. Cinnamon sticks and star anise are scattered near the glasses, with some pine branches adding a natural touch. The scene is set against a soft glowing background with yellow fairy lights and a white marbled surface below, creating a warm and cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe plays a starring role, coming together like your favorite holiday movie cast. The combination of dry red wine with citrus and warming spices makes the flavors rich, fragrant, and inviting. Here’s a quick scoop on each key ingredient — it’ll help when you’re at the store hunting down those spices or picking the best produce.

Easy German Mulled Wine, German Mulled Wine, Spiced Mulled Wine, Cozy Winter Drinks, Holiday Mulled Wine - Flat lay of two whole oranges, a small white bowl of fresh cranberries, six cinnamon sticks arranged neatly, four star anise pods, ten whole cloves scattered artfully, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing bright orange juice, and a simple glass carafe of deep red wine set on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dry Red Wine: Choose a reasonably priced but good quality bottle; it’s the base that carries all the flavors.
Orange Juice: Fresh or store-bought works fine; it adds brightness and a natural tang.
Granulated Sugar (or Maple Syrup/Agave): Sweetens without overpowering; feel free to adjust the amount to match your taste buds.
Oranges (Sliced): Their peel and slices add citrus oils, essential for that traditional mulled wine aroma.
Fresh Cranberries: They provide a pop of color and a subtle tartness that balances the sweet and spice.
Whole Cloves: Potent spice that infuses the wine with warm, aromatic notes.
Star Anise: Adds a gentle licorice-like flavor that’s signature to German mulled wine.
Cinnamon Sticks: Must-have spice for warmth and subtle sweetness.
Brandy (Optional): Boosts the alcohol content and adds a lovely depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe invites you to play with flavors. Whether you want to dial up the spice, add a splash more brandy, or sweeten it with honey instead of sugar, it’s totally flexible. That freedom makes it perfect for any occasion—from a quiet night in to a festive party.

Variation: Once, I experimented with adding a star anise pod per cup — the licorice notes surprised even me in a good way!
Dietary Modification: Swap out sugar for maple syrup for a richer, earthier sweetness that’s naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Seasonal Twist: In a pinch, dried cranberries work fine, and sometimes I toss in a few cardamom pods for extra complexity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Your Orange Juice & Sugar

Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the orange juice and add your sugar (or sweetener of choice). Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely — this prevents any graininess in your mulled wine later. I like to pause here and breathe in the slightly zesty sweetness; it really sets the mood!

Step 2: Infuse with Wine, Spices & Fruit

Now pour in the red wine and toss in every bit of those beautiful whole spices: cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, along with your orange slices and fresh cranberries. The whole spices (not ground) mean the flavors will seep slowly into the wine, creating rich, rounded notes without any bitterness. Add the brandy at this stage if you’re using it. Trust me, that small splash makes a cozy difference.

Step 3: Let It Simmer Gently

Turn the heat down to low and let your mulled wine simmer quietly for about 30 minutes. This simmering time lets the flavors meld perfectly. I often leave mine on the lowest heat setting for up to two hours when hosting friends—it intensifies the flavors beautifully without boiling off the alcohol. Just watch that it doesn’t boil; you want a gentle bubble, not a rolling boil. After 30 minutes, give it a quick taste and tweak sugar or brandy as you like.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

When you’re ready, ladle the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, orange peel curls, a few cranberries, or star anise for that picture-perfect, festive look. It’s the little touches that make serving feel special and inviting.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Boil the Wine: Boiling kills the nuances and evaporates alcohol, so keep the temperature just below a simmer.
Spice Balance: I usually start with fewer cloves and add more if needed after the first simmer.
Sweetness Check: Taste mid-simmer to adjust sugar—warming can mellow sharpness, so don’t oversweeten early.
Use Quality Citrus: Fresh oranges lift the flavor more than pre-packaged juice, so grab them if you can.

How to Serve Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe

Easy German Mulled Wine, German Mulled Wine, Spiced Mulled Wine, Cozy Winter Drinks, Holiday Mulled Wine - A clear glass filled with dark red mulled wine shows several layers inside: a thick slice of orange with bright orange peel and a smooth surface leaning inside the drink, dark brown cinnamon sticks standing upright, and star anise with a shiny texture floating on top. The drink glass is placed on a wooden table surrounded by dried orange slices, pine cones, cranberries, and green pine leaves. In the blurred background, two more glasses of mulled wine with similar content and warm glowing lights create a cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my mulled wine with a cinnamon stick—it’s practical for stirring and smells amazing while you sip. Thin orange peel spirals add that festive elegance, and popping in a star anise or two not only looks pretty but adds aroma throughout the drink. Fresh cranberries are my secret weapon; their slight tartness and bright color just brighten the whole experience.

Side Dishes

This warm, spiced wine pairs perfectly with classic German snacks like soft pretzels, roasted nuts, or simple cheese boards featuring gouda and bratwurst. My personal favorite? Serving it alongside gingerbread cookies or an apple strudel for that true holiday vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the mulled wine in clear glass mugs to show off those beautiful floating spices and fruit. I’ve even used small mini-crockpots to keep the wine warm on a buffet table, which doubles as charming décor and functional serving. Adding fresh rosemary sprigs is a lovely unexpected touch that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mulled wine keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days if stored in an airtight container. Since the flavors continue to meld, the next day’s taste can be even better! Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing mulled wine because the spices can become overpowering after thawing, and the texture might change a bit. If you must freeze, strain out the spices first and freeze the liquid alone in an airtight container, then reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat your mulled wine slowly over low heat to preserve flavor and prevent burning. Avoid boiling—it’ll dull those delicate spices and fruit notes. I like to add a fresh cinnamon stick or a splash of brandy when reheating to refresh the aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of wine for this Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes call for dry red wine, you can try a medium-bodied red like Merlot or even a fruity Zinfandel for a different twist. Avoid wines that are too tannic or heavily oaked, as they can clash with the spices and sweetness.
Is it necessary to use brandy in the recipe?

Not at all! Brandy is optional and just adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor. If you prefer a milder mulled wine or want to keep alcohol content down, skip the brandy; the spices and wine alone make a beautiful drink.
How long can I keep leftover mulled wine?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, mulled wine stays good for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before enjoying again, and consider adding a fresh cinnamon stick to brighten flavors.
Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?

You can! Substitute the wine with a grape juice blend or a mix of cranberry and pomegranate juices, but skip the brandy. Adjust the sweetness and spice to make sure it’s flavorful and warming, perfect for all ages.

Final Thoughts

This Easy German Mulled Wine Recipe has a little piece of my winter memories in every sip. It’s that warm, fragrant drink that signals downtime, togetherness, and a little indulgence. I’m excited for you to give it a try and make it your own—whether that’s by adding a twist or sticking to the classic. So, get those spices ready, and let’s fill your home with the magic of gluhwein!