Holiday Crockpot Mulled Wine
This slow cooker mulled wine is the ultimate hands-off holiday drink — rich, spiced, and cozy without any fuss. Red wine simmers gently with citrus, warm spices, and a splash of brandy for a crowd-pleasing winter classic. The crockpot keeps it warm all night long, so guests can pour a mug anytime. Perfect for parties, open houses, or a quiet night by the fire.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless: Just dump, stir, and let your crockpot do the work.
- Party-friendly: Serves 8–10 people and stays warm for hours.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, wine, and spices to your taste.
- Smells amazing: Your whole house will have that festive, spiced aroma.
- Budget-friendly: No need for fancy wine — even an $8 bottle works beautifully.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep everything the day before.
🧂 Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine — merlot, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, or zinfandel all work well. (Avoid very sweet or oaky wines.)
- ½ cup brandy (optional but adds body and warmth)
- ¼–½ cup honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup — adjust to taste
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds (keep peel on for flavor)
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional for brightness)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves (stick them into the orange slices for easy removal)
- 3 star anise pods (optional but adds beautiful aroma)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin
- 1 tsp whole allspice or ½ tsp ground allspice
Optional Flavor Variations
- Add 1 cup apple cider or cranberry juice for extra fruitiness.
- A splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier) gives a citrusy boost.
- A few peppercorns add a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness.
- Add 1 vanilla bean or ½ tsp vanilla extract for a smooth finish.
Optional Garnishes
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange or lemon slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Star anise for visual flair
🍳 Steps
- Prep the slow cooker: Use a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Make sure it’s clean and ready.
- Add ingredients: Pour the red wine and brandy (if using) into the crock. Add sweetener, citrus slices, and all the spices. Stir gently.
- Heat gently: Cover and cook on LOW for 1–1½ hours, or until hot and fragrant. Do not let it boil — boiling drives off the alcohol and dulls the flavor.
- Taste and adjust: Stir and taste before serving. Add a bit more honey or citrus to balance the flavor if needed.
- Serve: Switch the crockpot to “Keep Warm.” Ladle into heatproof mugs or glasses, and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
💡 Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Choosing the Right Wine
- Best options: Merlot, zinfandel, shiraz, or cabernet sauvignon.
- Avoid very light wines (like pinot noir) unless you prefer a softer flavor.
- Skip expensive bottles — the spices and citrus will mask subtle notes.
Sweeteners
- Honey adds floral notes and body.
- Brown sugar adds caramel undertones.
- Maple syrup gives a rich, earthy sweetness.
Start with ¼ cup and adjust up to ½ cup based on your taste and wine dryness.
Spices
- Keep spices whole — they infuse flavor without clouding the wine.
- For easy cleanup, tie them in a spice bag or cheesecloth bundle.
- Don’t overdo cloves or star anise — too many can make the wine bitter.
Citrus Tips
- Use fresh oranges with the peel on. The zest adds flavor, but too much white pith can add bitterness, so avoid over-squeezing.
- Add lemon slices for brightness or skip if you prefer a mellower flavor.
Temperature Control
- Keep it below 170°F (77°C). If your slow cooker runs hot, turn it off for 10–15 minutes once warmed.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor.
Make It Non-Alcoholic
- Swap the wine for grape juice, pomegranate juice, or cranberry juice.
- Reduce the sweetener by half.
- Add an extra cinnamon stick and a splash of lemon juice for balance.
🎁 Serving Ideas
- Set up a “Mulled Wine Bar”: Keep the crockpot on Warm and surround it with mugs, ladles, and a garnish station.
- Garnish options: cinnamon sticks, orange peel curls, cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary.
- Add a bottle of brandy or orange liqueur nearby for guests who want an extra splash.
- Pair with snacks like:
- Cheese platters (especially brie, gouda, or aged cheddar)
- Savory appetizers (bacon-wrapped dates, mini quiches)
- Holiday desserts (gingerbread, shortbread, or dark chocolate truffles)
- For outdoor gatherings, pour into insulated mugs or thermoses to keep it warm.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead:
- Combine the citrus, spices, and sweetener in a mason jar the night before.
- Refrigerate overnight, then pour everything into the slow cooker with wine and brandy when ready to serve.
Keeping Warm:
- The crockpot can stay on “Warm” for up to 4 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to keep flavors blended.
- If it reduces too much, add a splash of fresh wine or juice to loosen it up.
Storing Leftovers:
- Strain out spices and fruit, then cool completely.
- Store in an airtight bottle or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on LOW or on the stovetop — never boil.
✨ Extra Tips for Success
- Hosting Tip: If you’re serving multiple drinks, label the crockpot clearly (e.g., “Mulled Wine – Adults Only”).
- Double Batch: For a big party, use a 7-quart slow cooker and double all ingredients — cook time stays about the same.
- Garnish Ahead: Pre-slice oranges and prep spice bags a day before to save time.
- Make it giftable: Pour cooled mulled wine into sterilized bottles, add a cinnamon stick and a tag — makes a great edible holiday gift.
This Holiday Crockpot Mulled Wine is the easiest way to serve a warm, fragrant, crowd-pleasing drink all season long. It’s simple, forgiving, and deeply festive — the kind of recipe that turns a casual evening into a cozy holiday moment with almost zero effort.