The aroma of this winter warmer filling the house is one of my favourite parts of Christmas! This festive slow cooker mulled wine is perfect for entertaining. As it’s easy to prepare and keeps your house smelling amazing all day. Your guests will love the spiced aroma wafting through the air, and they’ll be asking for the recipe.
What makes this recipe so convenient is its simplicity and the fact that it can be made in advance while you focus on other tasks. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, decorating the house, or mingling with guests, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. All you need are a few bottles of red wine, a handful of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and some fresh citrus fruit like oranges. The spices and fruit infuse the wine with a warm, aromatic blend, transforming it into the perfect winter drink.
The beauty of this mulled wine is that it’s easy to adjust to suit your needs. If you find yourself running low on mulled wine, simply add another bottle of red wine and a splash of brandy to keep the party going. Just replace the lid of the slow cooker, and let it warm up again without any fuss. This makes it an ideal drink for large gatherings, as the slow cooker will keep it warm and ready to serve throughout the evening.
This easy slow-cooked spiced mulled wine recipe ensures that you’ll have a festive, crowd-pleasing drink with minimal effort. Allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
You can find this simple recipe on page 183 of The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cookbook.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 3 hours on low
SERVES 12-14 people
KIT you will need a slow cooker
Ingredients for slow cooker mulled wine
3 bottles of red wine (a fruity red like Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio or Grenache works best)
2 shots of brandy
The peel of 1 large orange, plus extra for serving
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
a handful of fresh cranberries
Method
Making mulled wine in a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most comforting ways to prepare this festive drink. To start, simply gather all of your ingredients. You’ll need a good quality red wine, such as a merlot or cabernet sauvignon, along with a mix of spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. For extra warmth and sweetness, add a few slices of fresh ginger, a couple of tablespoons of honey or sugar. And some orange zest to infuse that bright, citrusy flavour.
Once everything is ready, pour the wine into your slow cooker and add the spices, ginger, and orange zest. Stir everything together well to ensure the spices and sweeteners are evenly distributed throughout the wine. At this point, you can also add a splash of brandy or rum if you like your mulled wine a little stronger, but that’s totally optional.
Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and let the mulled wine simmer gently for at least three hours. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can leave it to do its work without much attention. Just make sure the lid stays on to keep the heat and aromas locked in. The longer it cooks, the more the spices and fruit infuse into the wine, creating a rich and aromatic beverage that will fill your home with a delightful scent.
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the warm mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs. And garnish each with a slice of orange peel or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of elegance. You can also keep the mulled wine warm in the slow cooker while you serve your guests, ensuring everyone enjoys it at the perfect temperature. It’s the ideal drink for holiday gatherings or nights in!
Tips for Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
1. Use a full-bodied red wine
Choose a red wine that is rich and fruity like Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel. There is no need for an expensive bottle, just something you would enjoy drinking.
2. Don’t let it boil
Keep your slow cooker on low. As boiling will burn off the alcohol and alter the flavour. Aim for a gentle heat to allow the spices to infuse without cooking the wine.
3. Add fresh citrus
Adding a few slices of orange or lemon to your mulled wine will add brightness and balance. Remove any seeds first to avoid bitterness.
4. Whole spices are best
Use whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and allspice if you can. Ground spices can make the wine gritty and cloudy so try to avoid using those.
5. Sweeten to taste
Start with just a small amount of sweetener (like sugar, honey, or maple syrup) and adjust after it has warmed. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out.
6. Add extras for depth
Try a splash of brandy, port, or orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier) for a richer finish and added warmth.
7. Strain before serving
If you have added loose spices or citrus segments, then strain the wine through a fine sieve or muslin cloth before serving to keep it smooth.
8. Serve with flair
Garnish your mulled wine with some fresh orange slices, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Then serve in heatproof glasses or mugs.
Similar recipes
If you love this easy slow cooked mulled wine, you might also like my festive slow cooker baked apples recipe.
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