Slow cooker mulled wine is a warm, aromatic drink made by gently simmering red wine with brandy and warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, small parties, or quiet evenings by the fire. Preparing it in a slow cooker fills the room with inviting aromas while freeing you to mingle with guests or relax. Instructions for an Instant Pot version are included below for a faster option.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
- Red wine: 2 bottles (see notes on wine selection below)
- Brandy: 1/2 cup
- Whole cloves: 8
- Cinnamon sticks: 3
- Star anise: 3
- Orange: 1 large, sliced
- Maple syrup or honey: 2/3 cup (adjust to taste)
How To Make Mulled Wine In The Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker method
- Place the red wine, brandy, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced orange, and maple syrup (or honey) into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the spices to infuse without reaching a boil.
- When the flavors are well blended, strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange slices. Return the strained wine to the slow cooker to keep warm.
- Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Instant Pot (pressure cooker) method
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure and set the timer for 1 minute. After the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, then return the mulled wine to a warm slow cooker setting or a pot to stay warm. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve warm.
FAQs & Tips
What is mulled wine?
Mulled wine is a traditional warm beverage made by heating red wine with spices, citrus, and a sweetener. The gentle heat releases flavors from the spices while mellowing the wine, creating a fragrant, comforting drink that’s popular during colder months and festive occasions.
What type of wine should you use?
You don’t need an expensive bottle for mulled wine. Choose a full-bodied, fruit-forward red such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel. These wines stand up well to the spices and citrus. Avoid very light or overly tannic wines, and pick something you would enjoy drinking on its own.
Is it safe to cook wine in the slow cooker?
Yes. For best results, heat the mulled wine on LOW so it warms without boiling. Alcohol begins to evaporate at roughly 172°F (78°C), so keeping the temperature low preserves the wine’s character while allowing the spices to infuse.
How long can the mulled wine stay warm in the slow cooker?
Keep the mulled wine on the WARM setting for up to about 4 hours. Stir occasionally and check the flavor, adding a little sweetener if it tastes flat after prolonged warming.
How do you store leftovers?
Cool leftover mulled wine, transfer it to a sealed container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving again, reheat gently so it does not reach a boil.
How do you reheat leftover mulled wine?
Rewarm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the slow cooker on LOW. Avoid boiling, which can diminish the delicate spice flavors and evaporate alcohol. Taste and adjust the sweetness or add a splash of brandy if desired.
What size slow cooker should you use?
A 3.5-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe when making about two bottles of wine. To serve a larger crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker so the liquid is not crowded and heats evenly.
Serving and variation ideas
Garnish individual servings with an orange wheel, a cinnamon stick, or a few whole cloves for presentation. For a different flavor profile, try adding a few slices of apple, a stick of star anise per cup, or a splash of spiced rum instead of brandy. To make a nonalcoholic version, substitute high-quality grape or cranberry juice and increase the spices slightly for depth.
Slow Cooker Beverage Recipes
- Homemade Apple Cider — warm spiced apple cider made in the slow cooker
- Hot Chocolate — rich, creamy hot chocolate kept warm for guests
- Pumpkin Spice Latte — cozy latte with pumpkin spice flavors
- Spiked Cider — cider with an optional splash of bourbon or rum
Author: Shannon Epstein
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