Mulled wine is the easiest crowd-pleasing winter drink: pour everything in one pot, warm gently for 10–30 minutes (never boil!), and you’re done. Red wine + classic warming spices + a touch of sweetener + orange + optional brandy = pure cozy magic. It smells like holidays, tastes like a hug, and works whether you’re serving 2 mugs or 20. Make it once and you’ll have it on repeat all season.

Perfect Easy Mulled Wine (Serves 6–8 normal people or 4 who really love it)

Ingredients

• 2 bottles (750 ml each) dry red wine – Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz, or any cheap-but-drinkable red (no need to spend more than $12–15)

• ½ cup brandy (totally optional – skip or replace with bourbon, rum, or extra orange juice) ⅓–½ cup honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup (start with ⅓ cup, taste later)

• 2 oranges – 1 sliced into rounds, 1 for garnish or juice

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 8–10 whole cloves

• 3–4 star anise (or swap for ½ tsp ground if that’s what you have)

• Optional extras: ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg, 4–5 allspice berries, ½ vanilla pod, a tiny pinch of chilli flakes for a gentle kick

Super-Simple Method (One Pot, 20 Minutes)

Put everything (except garnish) into a large pot: wine, brandy, sweetener, orange slices, and all spices.

Warm over medium-low heat until it just starts to steam and tiny bubbles appear around the edge – about 8–10 minutes.

⚠️ Do NOT let it boil – boiling cooks off alcohol and makes it taste harsh.

Reduce heat to the lowest setting and let it gently simmer for another 10–20 minutes (the longer, the spicier).

Taste – add a little more honey if you want it sweeter.

Ladle into heatproof mugs through a small strainer (or fish out the big spices with a spoon if you’re lazy).

Garnish with a fresh orange slice and cinnamon stick. Done!

Make-Ahead Genius Version (Marshall Waters–style)

Double the spices, sweetener, and orange juice (no wine yet). Simmer 45–60 min until syrupy, strain, and store in the fridge forever. To serve: mix 100 ml syrup + 1 litre wine, warm gently. Perfect for instant mulled wine all winter.

Extra Tips from People Who Drink a Lot of This Stuff

Too sweet? Use less sweetener next time or pick a drier wine.

Want it stronger? Add the brandy after heating (preserves more alcohol). Non-alcoholic version: replace wine with grape or pomegranate juice + a splash of vinegar for bite.

Leftovers keep 2–3 days in the fridge – reheat gently or drink cold (yes, it’s good cold too).

Hosting? Keep it warm on the lowest stove setting or in a slow cooker on “warm” – just don’t let it bubble.

Light a candle, put on your chunkiest sweater, and let the house smell incredible. This is officially the lowest-effort, highest-reward drink of the season. Cheers!