The Flying Winemaker’s Mulled Wine Recipe
Looking for an easy mulled wine recipe for the festive season?
The Flying Winemaker’s version combines a medium-bodied red wine with oranges, lemons, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to create a warm, aromatic drink. Add a splash of dark rum at the end if you’re feeling extra festive.
There’s something about mulled wine that instantly makes a gathering feel more festive. Warm, fragrant, and packed with spice, it’s made for chilly evenings, Christmas celebrations, and long conversations around the table.
Our signature version uses The Flying Winemaker Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, but any good medium-bodied red can work beautifully.
Ingredients
- 5–8 whole cloves
- ⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 halved vanilla pod, or ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 oranges
- 2 lemons
- 2 bottles medium-bodied red wine
- Optional: 90ml dark rum
How to Make Mulled Wine
1. Prepare the citrus
Peel large strips of orange and lemon zest using a knife or vegetable peeler. Squeeze some of the orange juice into a large pot.
2. Make the spiced syrup
Add the citrus peels and sugar to the pot, followed by the cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and nutmeg.
Add just enough red wine to cover the sugar and spices. Simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved, then bring the mixture to a boil for around 5 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrup.
Make-ahead tip: The syrup can be prepared ahead of time, making it an easy shortcut when you're entertaining during the holidays.
3. Add the wine
Turn the heat down low and add the star anise. Pour in the remaining red wine and gently heat for another 5–7 minutes, until the mulled wine is hot and beautifully aromatic.
Avoid aggressively boiling the wine; gentle heat helps preserve its flavour and balance.
4. Make it extra festive
For a little more warmth and spice, stir in 90ml of dark rum just before serving.
Pour into heatproof glasses or mugs and serve warm.
What Wine Works Best for Mulled Wine?
A medium-bodied red wine is ideal for mulled wine because it has enough fruit and structure to stand up to the citrus and spices without becoming too heavy.
For our signature recipe, we use The Flying Winemaker Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. A fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon or another approachable medium-bodied red can also work well.
The key is balance
You don't need your most expensive bottle for mulled wine. Choose a red with good fruit, moderate tannins, and enough character to complement, rather than compete with, the spices.
Why Make the Syrup Separately?
The spiced syrup is the secret to a more balanced mulled wine.
Rather than simply throwing everything into a pot at once, gently cooking the citrus, sugar and spices first allows their flavours to develop. It also means the syrup can be prepared ahead of time and kept ready for entertaining.
So when guests arrive? Add wine, warm it up, and you're good to go.
FAQs
What is the best way to make mulled wine?
Make a spiced citrus syrup with sugar, orange and lemon peels, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a little red wine. Simmer until syrupy, then add a medium-bodied red wine and gently heat for 5–7 minutes. Finish with dark rum if desired and serve warm.
Can I make mulled wine ahead of time?
Yes. The spiced citrus syrup can be prepared ahead of time and stored until you're ready to add the wine. This makes the recipe particularly convenient for Christmas parties and larger gatherings.
What type of red wine is best for mulled wine?
A medium-bodied, fruit-forward red is a good choice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and similar approachable reds can work well, depending on their tannin and fruit profile.
Can you boil mulled wine?
It's best to avoid prolonged boiling. Gently heat the wine until it is hot and aromatic. Excessive boiling can drive off alcohol and alter the wine's flavours.
Can I add rum to mulled wine?
Absolutely. The Flying Winemaker recipe calls for 90ml of dark rum as an optional festive addition. Add it at the end, just before serving.
What spices are traditionally used in mulled wine?
Common mulled wine spices include cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg. This recipe also adds bay leaves and vanilla for extra aromatic depth.
How do you serve mulled wine?
Serve it warm in heatproof glasses or mugs. Citrus slices, orange peel, or a cinnamon stick can also make a simple festive garnish.