I’ve been making this brandy mulled wine for years, and it’s always requested at holiday gatherings. Nothing says it’s the holiday season quite like it – it tastes like Christmas in a cup! Bonus: Make it with maple syrup for extra richness that’s also refined sugar-free.
Some things are meant just for the festive season — Christmas carols, twinkling lights, and this mulled wine with brandy. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s become one of those traditions that instantly puts us in a holiday mood.
We usually put up the tree, invite friends and family over, and start the mulled wine about half an hour before anyone arrives. By the time the doorbell rings, the house smells warm, spiced, and unmistakably like Christmas.
What’s unique about my brandy mulled wine
There are a few tweaks I’ve made over the years to get this recipe just right. This is what I love about this brandy mulled wine recipe:
- Natural sweetness: My recipe calls for maple syrup instead of sugar or honey. This adds the distinctive warm sweetness without refined sugar. I have also included apple juice – this gives a sweet fruity note!
- Balanced spices: Not every mulled wine recipe calls for black peppercorns, but I love the subtle kick and depth that they add.
- Skin-on oranges: You might wonder why the ingredients list specifies leaving the skin on the oranges. I’ve found this adds a little bitterness from the peel which balances the other flavors perfectly.
Why this brandy mulled wine is holiday bliss!
- 100% foolproof: It’s so simple to whip this up – just pour some inexpensive red wine, brandy, and spices into a pot, warm it up, and drink it! When I make this at Christmas time, I simply eyeball the spices and it always turns out great.
- Holiday warmth: It’ll warm your bones from the inside out, and make you feel like you’re sitting in front of a cozy fireplace.
- Aroma : Your house will smell absolutely amazing when you make it! It reminds us of our travels to European Christmas markets.
- Nostalgia: It’s impossible for me to think about this brandy mulled wine without recollecting shared moments with loved ones we’ve had at our holiday gatherings.
Spices for mulled wine
Mulling spices are always whole, not ground. The reason is that using ground spices will result in a slightly gritty mulled wine. It’ll work in a pinch, but I’d suggest using whole spices if possible. I always reach for cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns when making brandy mulled wine. You can use that as a base and add to the spices or switch them up! Here are some other suggestions:
- Cardamom pods
- Slices of fresh ginger
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Lemon rinds
- Raisins
- Bay leaf
How to serve brandy mulled wine
If you’re making this for a Christmas gathering, the best way to serve it is in the slow cooker on the lowest setting. This will keep it warmed through without it being too hot or boiling it down.
Keep a ladle nearby, and your guests can spoon some into their mugs. It’s so cozy.
Pro tip: pour the brandy mulled wine through a small strainer to make sure you don’t get any spices into your mug!
What wine should I use in brandy mulled wine?
You don’t need your most expensive bottle of red wine for this recipe as it’ll be combined with the other flavors. I enjoy grabbing a bottle with some fruity undertones, such as a Merlot. If you had your heart set on a white wine, I got you! Check out our recipe for a mulled white wine .
What is the best brandy for mulled wine?
As with wine, you typically don’t need to use an expensive brandy, since it’s combined with other flavors. A mid-range brandy with a balanced flavor profile works well.
How do I store leftover brandy mulled wine?
Brandy mulled wine will last for at least three days in your fridge. Store it in an airtight container or jar, and gently reheat it when you want some.
Why add brandy to mulled red wine?
Brandy adds a rich flavor to red wine, making the overall flavor profile more complex. It adds extra flavor notes that complement the other ingredients used in mulled wine. Yum!
Brandy Mulled Wine Recipe
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 bottles red wine (see notes)
- ▢ 1 cup apple juice
- ▢ 1 cup brandy
- ▢ ½ cup maple syrup (see notes)
- ▢ 1 orange (sliced with the skin on)
- ▢ 4 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- ▢ 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ▢ 6 whole star anise
- ▢ Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large pot over medium-high heat. 2 bottles red wine, 1 cup apple juice, 1 cup brandy, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 6 whole star anise
- As soon as you start to see steam rising from the pot, reduce the heat to medium. Keep the pot on the heat for 15 minutes for the spices to infuse the wine.
- Strain the mulled wine through a colander to remove the orange slices and spices. Return it to the pot and keep it warm over low heat. Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries
- To serve, ladle the wine into thick-walled wine glasses and top with any or all of the optional garnishes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Brandy Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bottles red wine , see notes
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup brandy
- ½ cup maple syrup , see notes
- 1 orange , sliced with the skin on
- 4 cinnamon sticks , plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 6 whole star anise
- Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large pot over medium-high heat. 2 bottles red wine, 1 cup apple juice, 1 cup brandy, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 6 whole star anise
- As soon as you start to see steam rising from the pot, reduce the heat to medium. Keep the pot on the heat for 15 minutes for the spices to infuse the wine.
- Strain the mulled wine through a colander to remove the orange slices and spices. Return it to the pot and keep it warm over low heat. Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries
- To serve, ladle the wine into thick-walled wine glasses and top with any or all of the optional garnishes.
