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The Recipe · No.456 · Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine, and where to source it

Mulled Wine — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Mulled Wine German 5best2buy.com

Keep the wine at a bare simmer and never let it boil, or you cook off the alcohol and leave it flat. Whole cinnamon, cloves and orange peel steeped gently give a clean spiced warmth that ground spices turn muddy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineGerman
Cost$$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Sugar
Sweetens the wine and pulls the citrus oils from the peel.
1/3 cuprecommended
Source it →
Orange
Peel and juice give the bright citrus backbone.
1 orangerecommended
Source it →
Cinnamon and cloves
Whole sticks and cloves steep clean; ground spices cloud the wine.
2 sticks, 6 clovesrecommended
Source it →
Red wine
A dry, fruity red like a merlot; nothing you would not drink on its own.
1 bottlerecommended
Local / market
Whiskey or brandy
Optional splash to fortify it.
1/4 cupto taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Start the baseWarm the sugar with the orange juice, peel and spices in a splash of the wine until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the winePour in the rest of the bottle and heat to a bare simmer, never letting it boil.
  3. Steep lowHold it just below a simmer for 20-25 min so the spices infuse without cooking off the alcohol.
  4. Serve warmStrain out the spices and peel and ladle into mugs, adding the brandy if using.
The Toolkit

Heavy saucepan · Ladle · Vegetable peeler · Fine strainer · Mugs

Straight Answers
Can you make Mulled Wine ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Mulled Wine gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Mulled Wine vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.456

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