Mulled White Wine

This warming mulled white wine incorporates everything we love about its classic red counterpart, but maintains a lighter body that’s perfect for simmering with citrus, honey, and deep aromatic spices. It’s a crisper, lighter option that still hugs onto mulled wine’s cozy appeal.

This recipe came together one chilly evening when I was craving mulled wine and realized I only had a bottle of white in the cabinet. On a whim, I went for it, and the result was so good I’ve been making it this way ever since. It’s aromatic, lightly sweet, and wonderfully warming, with spices that perfume the whole house and make cold nights feel instantly cozier.

The white wine creates a clean, medium-bodied base that lets the spices really shine. Honey adds gentle sweetness, orange brings brightness and lift, and whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, and peppercorns infuse slowly for layers of warmth and complexity. If I’m in the mood, I’ll add a splash of brandy for extra depth, but it’s just as lovely without—it’s an elegant, fragrant twist on classic mulled wine that I reach for again and again.

Glasses of Mulled White Wine on a table - 2

Looking down on two glasses of Mulled White Wine - 3

Variations to try

White wine becomes a canvas for any variations you can imagine. Here are some to try:

Fruits: Incorporate slices of apple, pear, or white grapes. Go festive with cranberries, or add a handful of any other fresh berries. A small amount of lemon slices will bring out more citrus notes.
Herbal infusions: Rosemary, thyme, or basil infuse a unique herbal essence.
Sweetener: You can use maple syrup instead of honey if needed, or if you like it really sweet, add some brown sugar.
Vanilla: Split a vanilla bean or add a drop of extract for a subtle note of vanilla.
Liqueurs: Sub out the brandy in favor of flavored liqueurs, such as fruit liqueurs or nut liqueurs. Spiced rum, amaretto or elderflower liqueur are top of my list.

Can I reduce the alcohol content?

Yes, you can omit the brandy, or cook the mulled wine mixture further. Boil it with the lid on to cook off some of the alcohol.

How long can I keep this on the stove?

You can keep the mulled wine warm in the Dutch oven, pot, or slow cooker on the very lowest setting for up to 3 hours.

Can I store this and reheat it?

Mulled white wine reheats very well. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar and refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it over low to medium heat.