Name: German Mulled Wine Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 bottles dry red wine; 2 cups orange juice; 1/2 cup brandy (optional); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave); 2 oranges, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cranberries; 10 whole cloves; 4 star anise; 6 cinnamon sticks

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 23 reviews

Nothing feels cozier than sipping a warm, spicy glass during chilly evenings, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share my German Mulled Wine Recipe with you. This recipe is fan-freaking-tastic — it’s super easy to make, beautifully aromatic, and just the right balance of sweet and spicy to warm your soul. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a bit of holiday spirit at home, this Gluhwein will be your new go-to comfort drink.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy bottles or secret spices — just good, classic stuff that blends beautifully.
Authentic Flavor: Using whole spices and fresh fruits infuses the wine with warm, inviting aromas that feel truly traditional.
Flexible Sweetness: You control how sweet to make it — granulated sugar or natural sweeteners like maple syrup work perfectly.
Customizable Heat: Optional brandy lets you amp up the kick or keep it mellow for all ages.

German Mulled Wine, Mulled Wine Recipe, Gluhwein, Spiced Hot Wine, Holiday Warm Drink - Two round glasses filled with dark red mulled wine sit on a wooden board, each glass holding a large orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise floating on top. Around the glasses are small bright orange kumquats, some whole and one sliced open, as well as a halved orange showing its juicy texture. Cinnamon sticks and star anise are scattered near the glasses, with some pine branches adding a natural touch. The scene is set against a soft glowing background with yellow fairy lights and a white marbled surface below, creating a warm and cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this German Mulled Wine Recipe lies in its balance. Fresh citrus brightens the deep, fruity wine, while the warming spices add layers of cozy depth. Grab quality red wine and fresh spices — that’s the secret sauce here. Oh, and a splash of brandy? Totally optional but game-changing!

German Mulled Wine, Mulled Wine Recipe, Gluhwein, Spiced Hot Wine, Holiday Warm Drink - Flat lay of two whole oranges, a small white bowl of fresh cranberries, six cinnamon sticks arranged neatly, four star anise pods, ten whole cloves scattered artfully, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing bright orange juice, and a simple glass carafe of deep red wine set on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dry red wine: This is your base, so pick a decent bottle you’d drink—you don’t need fancy, but avoid anything too sweet.
Orange juice: Adds juicy brightness and balances the spices—it’s fresher than just orange slices alone.
Granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave): Sweetens to taste; I sometimes swap sugar for maple syrup for a richer note.
Oranges, sliced: They add beautiful citrus oils and make the mulled wine look festive.
Fresh cranberries: I love their pop of color and tart bite—they also float prettily in the mug.
Whole cloves: These bring intense warmth without overpowering the blend.
Star anise: Sweet licorice vibe that rounds out the spice mix nicely.
Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that unmistakable mulled wine aroma and taste.
Brandy (optional): Adds warmth and a boozy depth—perfect if you want an extra cozy kick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this German Mulled Wine Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the sweetness, played with different citrus fruits, and even experimented with spices—I encourage you to make it your own, whether by dialing up the cinnamon or swapping in some honey.

Variation: I once added a few cardamom pods for an exotic spin that absolutely wowed my guests.
Dietary tweaks: Going maple syrup or agave sweetens without refined sugar, making it vegan-friendly.
Seasonal swaps: Try swapping cranberries for pomegranate seeds in winter or fresh berries in early fall for a vibrant twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make German Mulled Wine Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Orange Juice and Sweetener

Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the orange juice and add your sweetener of choice—granulated sugar is classic, but sometimes I swap maple syrup for a cozy twist. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This step ensures your sweetener melts evenly and prepares the base for the spices to infuse.

Step 2: Add Wine, Spices, and Fruit

Once your sweetened orange juice is warm, pour in the dry red wine. Then toss in all the spices—whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks—as well as the sliced oranges and fresh cranberries. Adding fruits and whole spices (not ground) lets them slowly infuse without clouding the wine. If you’re feeling adventurous or want that warming kick, splash in the brandy now.

Step 3: Simmer Slowly and Taste

Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer draws out the flavors beautifully without boiling off the alcohol or turning bitter. Halfway through, give it a taste—add a pinch more sugar if you like it sweeter, or more brandy for extra warmth. If you have more time, simmering up to a couple of hours only enriches the depth.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once your mulled wine smells heavenly and tastes balanced, ladle it into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, a twist of orange peel, a star anise pod, and some floating cranberries to impress your guests or simply brighten your me-time.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Boil the Wine: Keeping the heat low prevents bitterness and preserves alcohol content.
Use Whole Spices: Ground spices cloud the drink and can taste harsh—whole ones infuse slowly and taste smoother.
Taste Early, Taste Often: I always taste midway to tweak sweetness and spice—this lets you tailor the mulled wine perfectly.
Be Patient: Letting it simmer longer deepens the flavor, so if you can, make it an hour ahead to relax and enjoy.

How to Serve German Mulled Wine Recipe

German Mulled Wine, Mulled Wine Recipe, Gluhwein, Spiced Hot Wine, Holiday Warm Drink - A clear glass filled with dark red mulled wine shows several layers inside: a thick slice of orange with bright orange peel and a smooth surface leaning inside the drink, dark brown cinnamon sticks standing upright, and star anise with a shiny texture floating on top. The drink glass is placed on a wooden table surrounded by dried orange slices, pine cones, cranberries, and green pine leaves. In the blurred background, two more glasses of mulled wine with similar content and warm glowing lights create a cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing with extra cinnamon sticks for stirring, a twist of fresh orange peel for zing, star anise for a splash of exotic aroma, and a handful of plump cranberries that add a festive pop of color. It’s not just pretty—it subtly boosts the flavors as you sip.

Side Dishes

Mulled wine pairs perfectly with soft pretzels, roasted nuts, or a slice of hearty rye bread with cheese. For me, it’s also great alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced cakes—the warmth and spice all play nicely together.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress, I serve the mulled wine in clear glass mugs so the rich color and floating fruits are visible. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a star anise tied with twine around the mug elevates the look for holiday gatherings. For outdoor parties, a big rustic crockpot spread on a wooden table has totally charmed my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have mulled wine left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually pour mine into a glass jar so it stays fresh and the flavors don’t suffer.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze mulled wine because the fruit and spices can lose texture, but if you must, freeze without fruit and add fresh slices when reheating for best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat—never boil! Stir occasionally, and add a splash of fresh orange juice or brandy to revive the flavors if needed.

FAQs

Can I use any type of red wine for German mulled wine?

You want to pick a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own. Avoid anything overly sweet or cheap, as their flavors won’t meld well with the spices. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir are popular choices that work wonderfully.
How long can I simmer the mulled wine?

Simmering for 30 minutes is perfect to extract flavors without bitterness, but you can let it gently simmer for up to 2 hours if desired. Just keep the heat low and stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the red wine with unsweetened grape juice or a tart cranberry juice blend. Keep the spices and orange juice the same for that mulled flavor without the alcohol.
What if I don’t have star anise?

No worries! You can either omit it or substitute with a small piece of licorice root or a pinch of anise seed, but keep in mind star anise adds a unique flavor that’s hard to perfectly mimic.
How do I adjust the sweetness?

Taste the mulled wine after about 20 minutes of simmering. If it’s too tart, gradually add sugar, maple syrup, or agave until it suits your preference—remember it should complement, not overpower, the spices.

Final Thoughts

This German Mulled Wine Recipe has been my cozy companion on countless winter nights, sparking memories of family gatherings and quiet moments by the fire. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for holiday celebrations. I really can’t recommend giving this a try enough—once you make it your own, it’ll quickly become one of those recipes you reach for again and again. So, gather your spices, pour a glass, and let the warmth of Gluhwein fill your kitchen and your heart.