This mulled wine recipe has the most enticing aroma as it simmers on the stove. It's a traditional holiday drink that all adults will enjoy!

Have you ever had mulled wine? It's one of my favorite alcoholic beverages to drink over the holidays!
Mulled wine is a hot drink known by various names in many places. In Germany, where it’s been made since the 14th century, it is known as “Glühwein”. The Scandinavian countries also have a version, which they call “Glögg”.
Jump to:
Having originated in the colder countries, mulled wine (also called spiced wine) eventually spread throughout all of Europe, and later went on to reach America. Even though this is not a traditional Mexican drink, it is a beverage that has been gaining popularity in Mexico over the last decade or so.
Like in Europe, mulled wine is commonly consumed during the holidays and winter months in Mexico, just like the more traditional "ponche”(Christmas punch). Besides being a perfect treat to enjoy with friends on a cold night, this is also a very easy drink to prepare.
Mulled wine is better to make when you’re just about to enjoy it. You only need to warm the wine, so be careful to not overheat it to the point that it starts evaporating. Since this recipe is a stovetop version, it is easier to keep an eye on the heat level (there are longer versions of this recipe that use a slow cooker).
Frequently Asked Questions About This Mulled Wine Recipe
Before I share my Mulled Wine recipe, here are a few questions I’ve been asked about homemade mulled wine.
What is the difference between wine and mulled wine?
Mulled wine is regular wine that has been heated with other spices. That is why it is sometimes called spiced wine. Plus, mulled wine smells amazing as it simmers on the stove!
What is the best wine for mulled wine?
You may be wondering what the best wine is to prepare mulled wine or spiced wine. I use red Zinfandel or Merlot and recommend you use an inexpensive wine for this drink.
The best wine will be dry and full-bodied. Other choices that will taste delicious are Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Remember, you will be adding a lot of spices to the wine, so go ahead and use the cheap wine for this drink recipe.
Can mulled wine be reheated?
When making this spiced red wine, just make enough for that day, as it tends to get a little bitter the next day if leftover. If you do want to save it, strain the spices, put it in a pitcher, and keep it in your refrigerator. The next day, reheat it slowly and it should taste alright.
It won't be as delicious as the first day, however, so keep that in mind.
Traditional Mulled Wine
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this drink…
- Water
- Sugar
- Lemon peel
- Orange peel
- Whole cloves
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick
- Red wine
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
Wine Tips:
- If you want, you can also add a little bit of brandy to this drink before serving.
- I like to top each cup of mulled wine with a wedge of orange.
How To Make Mulled Wine Recipe: Step By Step Tutorial
To make things easier for you, I am going to break down the directions to this recipe into sections.
Simmer Water and Spices
- Place the water, sugar, orange & lemon peels, whole cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium and allow the sugar to dissolve; this will let the spices’ flavors and aromas blend together.
- Once it comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and gently simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Wine and Heat
- Strain this syrup and return it to the saucepan.
- Add the wine and turn the heat to low.
- Warm the wine mixture for a couple of minutes, but do not allow it to simmer.
Serve in cups or glasses and enjoy!
What To Serve With Mulled Wine
This is a holiday drink, so serve some other traditional Christmas recipes with it. Pork loin in prune sauce is a holiday entree that will taste wonderful with the mulled wine. Add a candied sweet potato on the side along with chocolate tamales for dessert. Your sweet tooth will have the most amazing time!
Of course, you can always just serve the mulled wine by itself at your holiday party too!
More Authentic Mexican Drink Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this mulled wine recipe, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican drink recipes:
- Basic Michelada Cocktail Recipe
- Authentic Mexican Horchata (Homemade Rice Drink)
- Frozen Mango Margarita
- Authentic Red Sangria Recipe
- Champurrado
I hope you make this Mexican mulled wine! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Mely
📖 Recipe
Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1½ cups of water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 lemon peel
- ½ orange peel
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bottle of red wine 750ml
Instructions
- Place the water, sugar, orange & lemon peels, whole cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and allow the sugar to dissolve; this will let the spices’ flavors and aromas to blend together. Once it comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and gently simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain this syrup and return it to the saucepan. Add the wine and turn the heat to low. Warm the wine mixture for a couple of minutes, but do not allow it to simmer.
- Serve in cups/glasses and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want, you can also add a little bit of brandy to this drink before serving.
- I like to top each cup of Mulled Wine with a wedge of orange.
Nathan Guevara
I went to a Christmas party in Mexico City and was surprised about this drink. It seems to be a new trend there. It is wonderful, your recipe was easy to follow.