Embrace the cozy charm of winter with a steaming mug of homemade mulled wine. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s your new go-to for effortless entertaining and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our Mulled Wine Crockpot Recipe is designed to bring that festive spirit right into your home, whether you’re hosting a bustling holiday party, enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, or looking for the perfect beverage to warm up a chilly football tailgate.

The beauty of using a slow cooker for mulled wine lies in its simplicity and hands-off approach. Imagine the delightful aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and orange filling your kitchen, all while you’re free to mingle with guests or simply relax. This recipe ensures a consistently warm and perfectly infused spiced wine, ready to serve straight from the Crockpot, making refills a breeze for everyone.

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine: Your Essential Festive Beverage

There’s something truly magical about the winter season, even if your local climate demands layers upon layers of clothing. While the dream of sun-drenched tailgates might be distant for those in colder regions like Spokane, the joy of a comforting, warming drink remains universal. This Easy Crockpot Mulled Wine Recipe delivers exactly that – a delightful elixir that warms you from the inside out, no matter how frosty it gets outside.

Our appreciation for spiced wine deepened during travels through Europe’s enchanting Christmas Markets. Wandering through the festive stalls of the Budapest Christmas Market, the picturesque St. Gilgen Austria Christmas Market, and the historic Salzburg Christmas Market, we discovered the heartwarming tradition of Glühwein. Each sip offered a blend of spices and warmth that became synonymous with holiday cheer. Closer to home, the festive charm of Leavenworth, Washington during Christmas season further cemented our love for this seasonal delight.

This recipe is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s about recreating those cherished memories and traditions in your own home with minimal effort. Imagine setting this up hours before your guests arrive, allowing the spices to meld perfectly and the wine to reach an ideal serving temperature. This means you gain precious time to focus on other party preparations or simply relax and enjoy the anticipation.

Crafting the Perfect Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Making mulled wine in a slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, transforming simple ingredients into a complex, aromatic beverage. The Crockpot truly does all the heavy lifting, infusing your chosen red wine with a symphony of spices and citrus. This makes it an ideal choice for any gathering where you want to impress without the stress, from football game days to elegant holiday cocktail parties. It’s a fantastic addition to any collection of Christmas Cocktails, offering both warmth and exquisite flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Mulled Wine

A great mulled wine starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this epic Crockpot Mulled Wine. The full, detailed recipe card with specific measurements and step-by-step instructions is available at the bottom of this post.

• Red Wine: Opt for dry, fruity reds that aren’t too tannic. Varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, or Pinot Noir work wonderfully, offering a robust base that stands up well to the spices without becoming overwhelming.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but a good quality store-bought orange juice will also suffice. It adds a crucial citrus brightness.
• Fresh Whole Cranberries: These burst with tart flavor and add a beautiful visual appeal. Frozen cranberries can be used as a convenient alternative, though they might extend the simmering time slightly.
• Sugar: White sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and citrus. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Orange: A whole orange, studded with cloves, is essential for both flavor infusion and a classic presentation.
• Whole Cloves: Their warm, pungent aroma is a hallmark of mulled wine.
• Cinnamon Sticks: These impart a sweet and woody spice that defines the mulled wine experience.
• Brandy: A touch of brandy elevates the drink, adding depth and a subtle warming kick.

Optional Mulling Spices: To further customize your brew, consider adding whole star anise for a delicate licorice note or a few cardamom pods for an exotic, fragrant twist.

Best Wine Choices: As mentioned, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, and Pinot Noir are excellent contenders. Avoid overly expensive wines; a good, affordable bottle will shine once mulled.

Garnish Ideas: Elevate your presentation with fresh cranberries, elegant orange peels (twirls or slices), and extra cinnamon sticks placed in each mug.

Recommended Equipment for Your Mulled Wine

Having the right tools makes the process even smoother:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of this recipe! We highly recommend a model with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after cooking. This feature is invaluable for maintaining the perfect serving temperature without overcooking the wine.
• Fine Sieve: Crucial for straining out the whole spices and cranberries after infusing, ensuring a smooth drink.
• Large Bowl: To collect the strained mulled wine before adding the brandy and returning it to the Crockpot.
• Spoon: For pressing extra juices from the cranberries.
• Kitchen Spoon/Stirring Utensil: For mixing ingredients.
• Mugs for Serving: Sturdy, heat-resistant mugs are essential for enjoying this warm beverage.

Preparation and Storage Tips for Mulled Wine

One of the greatest advantages of this slow cooker mulled wine recipe is its adaptability for make-ahead convenience and easy storage. This frees you up to enjoy your event or simply have a warm treat ready whenever you desire.

Make-Ahead Magic

Your Crockpot Mulled Wine requires at least two hours to simmer, allowing the flavors to fully develop and meld into a harmonious blend. This makes it an absolutely perfect make-ahead recipe. You can prepare it well in advance of your party, letting it gently warm in the slow cooker until your guests arrive. This thoughtful planning eliminates last-minute stress and ensures a welcoming aroma fills your home from the moment your friends and family step inside.

Storing Leftovers

Should you have any delightful mulled wine leftover (a rare occurrence!), simply allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its wonderful flavor and aroma for up to three days, ready for another cozy indulgence.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

Surprisingly, this slow cooker mulled wine freezes beautifully! For longer storage, pour any cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. This is fantastic for having a quick, festive drink on hand whenever the mood strikes.

Effortless Reheating

Reheating mulled wine is incredibly easy. For larger quantities, your Crockpot is ideal; simply set it to low or warm until heated through. For individual servings, a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat works perfectly. If reheating from frozen, thaw portions in the refrigerator for a few hours beforehand to ensure even warming and prevent any loss of flavor.

Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste

This mulled wine recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for simple adjustments to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.

Flavor Substitutions

• Cranberries: Feel free to use either fresh or frozen cranberries. Just remember that frozen cranberries may require a slightly longer simmering time to fully release their juices and flavor.
• Alcohol Boosters: While brandy adds a classic depth, you can experiment with other spirits. Port wine can be substituted for a slightly lighter, sweeter mulled wine profile. For those who enjoy a higher ABV and an extra citrus kick, Grand Marnier or Cointreau are excellent choices that infuse even more orange essence into your beverage.
• Citrus Fruits: Don’t limit yourself to just navel oranges! Any orange-hued citrus fruit will work wonderfully. Blood oranges can add a beautiful color and slightly tarter flavor, while clementines offer a sweeter, milder orange note. Lemon or lime slices can also be added for an extra layer of brightness, just be mindful of their tartness.

Dietary Considerations

• Vegetarian & Vegan Option: This mulled wine cocktail is inherently 100% vegetarian and vegan! However, always double-check your wine and brandy labels, as some alcohol manufacturers may use animal-derived fining agents in their processing. Look for explicitly labeled vegan wines and spirits.
• Gluten-Free: All ingredients in this recipe are typically gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.
• Alcohol-Free Option: For a delightful non-alcoholic version, simply swap the Merlot with a high-quality non-alcoholic red wine and omit the brandy. You’ll still achieve a rich, spiced beverage that everyone can enjoy. This is a fantastic way to include all guests in the festive cheer.
• Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains 15 grams of sugar per serving. To make it sugar-free, opt for unsweetened orange juice and use your preferred white sugar substitute (like erythritol or stevia) to taste.

Adjusting Serving Sizes

The provided recipe yields eight generous servings, making it perfect for a small gathering. You can easily scale this recipe up or down to suit your needs. When increasing the batch for a larger crowd, ensure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the volume. If making a very large quantity, you might consider preparing it in batches or using multiple slow cookers to maintain optimal flavor and temperature.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Mulled Wine

Achieving the perfect mulled wine is simple with these additional tips:

• Avoid Boiling: The most crucial rule for mulled wine! Never let your wine come to a boil. High heat can cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and can also cook off the delicate aromatic compounds of the spices, resulting in a less vibrant flavor. Keep your slow cooker on the “low” or “warm” setting.
• Taste and Adjust: Every wine and batch of spices is slightly different. After the initial simmering period, taste your mulled wine. You might want to add a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or a splash more orange juice for extra brightness.
• Infusion Time: While two hours is the minimum for infusion, allowing the wine to simmer gently for up to 3-4 hours on the “warm” setting can deepen the flavors even further. Just remember to strain the whole spices out before prolonged heating to prevent bitterness.
• Easy Serving: A long-handled soup ladle is an absolute must for serving this hot beverage safely and neatly. Keep it right next to your Crockpot, allowing guests to easily serve themselves and grab refills with minimal spillage.
• Keep it Warm: Once strained and the brandy is added, keep the mulled wine on the “warm” setting of your Crockpot throughout your event. This ensures every mug served is perfectly heated and delightful.
• Presentation Matters: Offer a variety of garnishes next to the slow cooker – extra cinnamon sticks, fresh orange slices or twists, and a sprinkle of cranberries. This adds a lovely visual touch and allows guests to customize their drink.

What to Serve with Crockpot Mulled Wine

This comforting Crockpot Mulled Wine pairs beautifully with a variety of wintertime and holiday dishes, from savory appetizers to decadent desserts. It’s the ideal companion for any festive feast or a cozy evening waiting for Santa!

Perfect Sides

• Cheddar Bay Sausage Biscuits: Savory and flavorful bites.
• Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies: A classic sweet and savory appetizer.
• Cheesy Green Beans: A comforting and rich vegetable dish.
• Apple Stuffing: A sweet and herbaceous side.
• Sausage Breakfast Biscuit Cups: Great for a brunch gathering.
• Cranberry Salsa: Fresh and zesty, a delightful contrast.
• Pineapple Stuffing: An unexpectedly delicious, sweet side.

Hearty Main Dishes

• Easy German Apple Pancake: A unique and satisfying brunch or light dinner option.
• Broccoli Casserole: A creamy, cheesy classic.
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams: A beloved holiday staple.
• CrockPot Ham: Effortlessly cooked, tender ham.
• CrockPot Coke Glazed Ham: A sweet and tangy twist on ham.
• Bourbon Baked Ham: Rich and flavorful for special occasions.

Sweet Desserts

• 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack: Addictive and easy-to-make.
• Sugared Cranberries: Elegant and festive, great as a garnish or snack.
• Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow: A fun, kid-friendly snack mix.
• Grinch Bark: A vibrant, minty chocolate treat.
• Watergate Salad: A fluffy, pistachio-flavored dessert.
• Cherry Cheesecake Dip: Creamy and fruity, perfect for dipping.
• Hot Chocolate Dip: A rich, comforting chocolate dessert.

Complementary Drinks

• Broken Down Golf Cart Shot
• Baileys Hot Chocolate
• Grinch Jello Shots
• Fireball Jello Shots
• Peppermint Patty Shot
• Cranberry Mimosa
• Three Wise Men Shot
• Polar Bear Shot

When to Serve This Delightful Drink

This Slow Cooker Mulled Wine is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Gatherings
• Christmas Parties
• Festive Cocktail Parties
• Christmas Brunch (as a sophisticated morning warmer)
• Cozy Winter Evenings
• Autumn Celebrations
• Football Tailgates or Watch Parties

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you loved this mulled wine, be sure to check out our other fantastic recipe collections:

Red Cocktails – Easy and vibrant red cocktails perfect for any celebration, especially the holidays.

Fruity Cocktails – From tropical delights to holiday classics, discover a range of fruit-forward cocktails.

2 Ingredient Cocktails – Simple yet impressive cocktails and shots requiring minimal effort and ingredients.

Great Martini Recipes – Shake or stir your way to a perfect cocktail hour with these elevated martini recipes.

Winter Cocktails – Find the ideal drinks to curl up by the fire with, offering warmth and comfort.

Don’t miss our diverse range of recipes, including exciting copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes.

Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, for all our latest recipe posts and culinary inspiration.

Crock Pot Mulled Wine Recipe

Delicious Slow Cooker Mulled Wine perfect for winter nights and holiday parties. This aromatic and warming beverage is a must-try!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 112 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Merlot (750ml)
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup fresh whole cranberries
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• 1 medium orange
• 2 Tablespoons whole cloves
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup Brandy
• Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and fresh cranberries (optional)

Instructions

1. Carefully pour the entire bottle of Merlot wine into the slow cooker.
2. Add the orange juice, fresh whole cranberries, the medium orange (studded with whole cloves), and the cinnamon sticks into the crock pot.
3. Cook on the “low” setting for 2-3 hours. It is crucial to ensure the wine does not come to a boil; a gentle simmer is ideal for infusing flavors.
4. Once heated and infused, carefully remove the orange and cinnamon sticks from the slow cooker. Strain the mulled wine through a fine sieve into a large heat-proof bowl to remove the cranberries and any small spice fragments.
5. Using a spoon, gently press down on the strained cranberries to extract any remaining flavorful juices into the wine. Discard the cranberries and spices.
6. Pour the strained mulled wine back into the clean slow cooker. Stir in the brandy.
7. Taste the mulled wine and add additional sugar to your liking. Stir until dissolved.
8. Serve the warm mulled wine in mugs, garnished with fresh cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or a few extra cranberries as desired.
9. Keep your slow cooker on the “warm” setting throughout serving to ensure the mulled wine remains perfectly warm and inviting for your guests.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Fine sieve
• Large bowl
• Soup ladle (for serving)
• Mugs

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Crock Pot Mulled Wine Recipe

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 112

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% Daily Value*

Sodium 3mg 0%

Potassium 171mg 5%

Carbohydrates 19g 6%

Fiber 1g 4%

Sugar 15g 17%

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Vitamin A 170IU 3%

Vitamin C 41.4mg 50%

Calcium 27mg 3%

Iron 0.3mg 2%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Recipe Originally shared on January 15, 2016. Updated October 2020.