Slow Cooker Mulled Wine – Red wine is slowly heated with a collection of mulling spices and apple cider to make a comforting warm, winter cocktail
Christmas may be over, but it’s still pretty cold outside and will be for the next couple of months. Therefore, I have all the excuse I need to enjoy a hot cocktail to keep me a little warmer.
Instead of reaching for hot buttered rum or a hot toddy, my hot drink of choice is Mulled Wine. I first tried it while overseas in Munich and I was a little hesitant at first. Hot wine? Hmmm. But everyone was drinking it so why not? I gave it a try too.
And to my surprise, I loved it! It had the warmth and flavor of a hot cider but with a welcomed kick at the end of each slurp.
I didn’t have it again for a couple years when my good friends brought their own version of it to a Christmas party. It was even better than the version I’d enjoyed before. And because of that, I’ve decided to share a similar version here today!
Check out my Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine!
What is mulled wine?
Mulled wine is a red wine that is cooked with spices (called mulling spices) and fruit, and sometimes finished with a liquor, such as brandy. Think of it as a warm sangria, if you will, except the cocktail is not served with chunks of fruit. Instead, I like to serve my mulled wine with a cinnamon stick.
Mulling Spices
Mulling spices are a collection of spices that are used to make mulled cider and mulled wine. You can include any spices that you prefer but traditionally, mulling spices include:
All these spicecs are collected in a spice ball or a sheet of cheesecloth and then added to the wine or cider to simmer. As the wine heats up, the spices release their flavor but the spice ball/cheesecloth keeps the spices collected so you can just remove them in one swoop before serving.
How to make mulled wine
I like to slow-cook my mulled wine to give the spices enough time to release their flavor. To do this, I add the wine and spices to a large slow cooker and set to low for about 3 hours. But wait! Don’t forget to add the secret ingredient – apple cider. I used an unfiltered fresh apple cider to help give the wine even more flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- You probably won’t find cinnamon sticks already crushed. But it’s so easy to do it yourself. Simply add the cinnamon sticks to a large washcloth, cover, and then beat the cinnamon sticks with a meat hammer or rolling pin. The wash cloth keeps the cinnamon sticks from flying everywhere when they get shattered.
- For this recipe, it calls for 1 half-gallon of red wine. This is about 2.5 bottles of wine.
- When it comes to the type of red wine, I like to use a blend of red wines for this cider. The sweeter the wine the better so stay clear of the heavy wines like Malbec or zinfandel.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Ingredients
For the mulling spices*:
- 1 cup crushed cinnamon sticks
- ⅔ cup diced dried orange peel
- ¼ cup whole allspice berries
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
For the mulled wine:
- 1 half-gallon apple cider
- 1 half-gallon red wine
- ½ cup mulling spices
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the mulling spices together in a large mason jar or other storage container. Scoop ½ cup of the spices and place in a mesh tea ball or double-lined cheese cloth and then close or tie the ball shut.
- Add wine and apple juice to a large slow cooker and add the tea ball with mulling spices. Turn slow cooker on to low and cook wine for 3 hours. Remove spice ball and discard used spices. Serve immediately or cover wine and keep warm for serving later in the day.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
Pin for later:
More drinks you’ll love:
Wine Milkshakes
Sangria Sorbet
Raspberry Hot Chocolate
Whattt!!! I never knew you could make mulled wine in the slow cooker!! That’s soooo convenient!! Love it!!
I need this mulled wine in my life , haha! It definitely sounds amazing and looks so gorgeous. Wish I could grab a glass of this mulled wine right now.
I’ve always wanted to make mulled wine for the holidays, and your recipe is the best one I found! Thank you for sharing such an awesome version of a classic – especially in the slow cooker!
Mulled wine is one of my favorite holiday treats! It brings me right back to all those Christmas feelings. I’ve never made my own mulled wine, always bought pre-packaged mixes. I can’t wait to try this recipe put myself!
This will be perfect for my next get together with the girls! I know they would love this especially since it’s cold and snowy here in Pittsburgh!
This is one of my favorite winter drinks of all time. And this is a wonderful recipe! Full of flavor but easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Mulled wine… such a great way to enjoy wine with your favorite spices. I do make it when I feel cold – it always helps. Great recipe with fab tricks to make the cooking process quick and easy.
This Mulled Wine sounds interesting and best for the weather too. Keeping me warm and happy.
I do enjoy mulled wine in the winter months, but never made my own spice mix. I will try yours the next time I am making it.
My mamma used to make mulled wine so many years ago. I’m so glad I saw your recipe. I’ve pinned it and now I’m dying to try it. The idea of such aromatic spices sound wonderful.
This looks wonderful. I saw Mulled wine all over Europe when we went but never tried it.
I love the concept of mulled wine. Full of flavors infused and definitely amazing to have. Slow cooker option is quite interesting.
Making this in a slow cooker is genius. This can stay warm during a dinner party, so the mulled wine will stay warm throughout the night! 🙂
I would never think of making such a great drink, using a slow cooker. I love a combo of warm spices included in the recipe. It is just amazing!
March 3rd is Mulled Wine day. Have this on my calendar to make. Will be a fan favorite I am sure.
I love mulled wine in the winter but I’ve never made it in the slow cooker before!! Love that idea because I can set and forget it until I need to serve it to my guests!
This is something I have never made but I can imagine the amazing aroma through the house when this is warming up! Look forward to trying it.
I’ve never tried this before. I’ll have to make it and see if I enjoy it. I love when I can use the slow cooker.
Good tip on crushing the cinnamon stick. I love Mulled wine, but I normally buy the spices already in a jar. I should try your method for a party I’m having this weekend!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried mulled wine before. I’ll have to make this version!