If any drink heralds winter, it is mulled wine. Red wine slowly warmed with orange, cinnamon and cloves, served in a steaming mug: that is how it is at Central Europe's Christmas markets, and increasingly in Portugal as the days grow shorter.
In this guide we show you how to make mulled wine at home, which wine to choose for the recipe and the most common mistakes. At the end, we answer the questions we are asked most often.
The tradition
What is mulled wine?
Mulled wine is wine, usually red, warmed with spices, citrus and a little sugar or honey. Every country has its own version: in Germany and Austria it is Glühwein, the drink of the Christmas markets; in France it is vin chaud; in the Nordic countries, glögg.
The basis is always the same: a fruity red, warmed slowly without boiling, so the spices release their aroma without the wine losing its character.
“A fruity red, warmed slowly, without boiling.”
The recipe
Mulled wine: a simple recipe for 4 to 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (75 cl)
- 1 orange, sliced (preferably organic, as the peel goes in)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 to 6 cloves
- 1 or 2 star anise (optional)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey, to taste
How to make mulled wine, step by step
- 1. Pour the wine into a pan and add the orange, cinnamon, cloves and star anise.
- 2. Heat gently until it starts to steam. Do not let it boil: the alcohol evaporates and the spices turn bitter.
- 3. Add the sugar or honey and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
- 4. Keep on the lowest heat for 10 to 15 minutes so the spices add flavour.
- 5. Strain and serve in mugs or heat-resistant glasses, with a slice of orange.
Easy variations: a small glass of Ruby Port at the end adds body and sweetness; a few slices of ginger or a cardamom pod add a spicier touch.
The choice
What is the best wine for mulled wine?
Mulled wine is not the place to open a bottle for ageing. Spices and heat mask the nuances of a great wine. The ideal is a young, fruity red with soft tannins and not too much oak: the fruit stands up well to orange and cinnamon, and soft tannins do not turn harsh when heated.
“The ideal is a young, fruity red with soft tannins and not too much oak.”
At Vinogrande, these reds do the job well, all with good value for money:
Quinta do Piloto Vinha dos Pardais Tinto 2024
Península de Setúbal; blackberry and blueberry, soft tannins.
View bottle
See more options in Red Wines, Douro, Alentejo and Ruby Port.
At the table
What to serve with mulled wine
Mulled wine calls for winter snacks. It goes very well with roast chestnuts, bolo-rei, Christmas broas, spiced biscuits or nuts. With cheese, choose soft cheeses or a buttery Queijo da Serra, which balance the sweetness and spice.
If you serve it at a party, set up a simple table with the pan on the lowest heat, a ladle, mugs and a plate of orange slices and cinnamon sticks to garnish. Guests help themselves and the drink stays warm all evening.
Alternative
Alcohol-free mulled wine
For children, pregnant women or anyone driving, the alcohol-free version is made the same way, replacing the wine with red grape juice, or a mix of grape and apple juice. As the juice is already sweet, add little or no sugar. The spices and orange stay the same, and the result is just as comforting.
A good idea is to have both pans side by side, labelled, so no one is left out of the toast.
Serving
Tips for perfect mulled wine
- Always gentle heat: the secret is low heat. Boiling is the most common mistake.
- Sweetness last: add the sugar or honey gradually and taste; it is easier to add than to correct.
- Whole spices: cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are easier to strain and do not cloud the wine.
- For lots of guests: double the recipe and keep the pan covered on the lowest heat.
- White version: it can also be made with white wine, using apple, lemon and honey instead of orange.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about mulled wine
Which wine is used to make mulled wine?
A young, fruity red with soft tannins and little oak. Age-worthy or highly structured wines get lost among the spices.
Does mulled wine contain alcohol?
Yes. Warmed without boiling, the wine keeps most of its alcohol. So it is not a drink for children or anyone driving.
Can mulled wine be boiled?
It should not be. Boiling drives off the alcohol and aromas and makes the spices bitter. Heat only until it steams.
How long does mulled wine keep?
Ideally, drink it the same day. Leftovers can be strained and kept in a sealed bottle in the fridge, then reheated gently.
Can mulled wine be made with white wine?
Yes. A fruity white works well with apple, lemon, honey and cinnamon. The result is lighter and more aromatic.
What is the difference between mulled wine and Glühwein?
None, essentially: Glühwein is the German name for spiced mulled wine. Recipes vary from region to region.
To finish
A toast to cold days
Mulled wine is simple, inexpensive and transforms any winter evening. Choose a fruity red, warm it slowly and adjust the spices to taste. Find the right wine for your recipe in our selection of Portuguese Wines.
Be responsible. Drink in moderation.
