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There are few things that make a house feel more like Christmas than the aroma of mulled wine gently simmering in the Crockpot.
As oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise slowly infuse a bottle of red wine, your kitchen transforms into the kind of cozy holiday gathering everyone wants to linger around.
This Crockpot Mulled Wine Recipe is one of the easiest holiday drinks you can make because the slow cooker does almost all the work. Simply add everything to the Crockpot, let it warm low and slow, and serve guests a steaming mug whenever they’re ready.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a cookie exchange, New Year’s Eve party, or simply enjoying a quiet winter evening, this festive Christmas mulled wine is guaranteed to become a holiday tradition. And if you’re looking for an alcohol-free version, I’ve included a link to my Midnight Mass Mulled Wine (Non-Alcoholic) recipe, too.
Recipe At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 10–12
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect For: Christmas parties, holiday entertaining, winter gatherings, and cozy nights at home
Why This Crockpot Mulled Wine Is Always the First Thing to Disappear
Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated.
Instead of mixing cocktails all evening, simply let your Crockpot keep this mulled wine warm while guests help themselves. The combination of red wine, citrus, warming spices, and a touch of maple syrup creates a rich, comforting drink that feels elegant without requiring much effort.
Even better, your entire house will smell like Christmas long before the first guest arrives.
Crockpot Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Garnacha work beautifully)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole star anise
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brandy (stir in just before serving for extra warmth)
Garnishes
Mix and match your favorites:
- Dehydrated orange wheels
- Fresh orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole star anise
- Fresh cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs
- Candied orange peel
- Apple slices
- Clove-studded orange peel
Favorite combination: A dehydrated orange wheel, cinnamon stick, and one floating star anise.
Instructions
- Pour both bottles of wine into a 6-quart Crockpot.
- Add the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
- Do not let the wine boil, as boiling cooks off the alcohol and changes the flavor.
- Taste and add additional maple syrup if you’d like it sweeter.
- Switch the Crockpot to Warm and serve throughout the evening.
Quick Tips for the Best Crockpot Mulled Wine
- Choose a dry red wine you enjoy drinking.
- Keep the Crockpot on LOW or WARM only.
- Never boil the wine.
- Add brandy only at the end if using.
- Whole spices create the best flavor and are easy to strain out.
- Make it a few hours before guests arrive so the spices have plenty of time to infuse.
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
What I love most about mixing up my holiday drinks each year, is trying to find a new twist or angle that makes the cocktail unique (and hopefully better tasting!). Here are a few ideas for your crockpot mulled wine…
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Cranberry Mulled Wine | Replace 1 cup apple cider with cranberry juice for a festive, tart finish. |
| Citrus Lover’s Version | Add slices of blood orange and lemon. |
| Extra-Spiced | Add a few cardamom pods and a small piece of fresh ginger. |
| Sweeter Holiday Version | Stir in brown sugar instead of maple syrup. |
| Bourbon Finish | Add a splash of bourbon to each mug before serving. |
Ready to Make It Pinterest-Worthy?
It’s not hard with this gorgeous concoction! Simply serve the mulled wine from a matte black or cream-colored Crockpot with a wooden ladle resting beside it. Arrange clear glass mugs nearby, each garnished with a dehydrated orange slice and cinnamon stick. Scatter a few evergreen sprigs and fresh cranberries around the serving area, and let the rich ruby-red wine become the star of your holiday drink station.
The Best Wine for Mulled Wine
You don’t need an expensive bottle. Look for medium-bodied, fruit-forward red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha (Grenache), Zinfandel or Pinot Noir.
Avoid heavily oaked wines, as they can become bitter after simmering.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare all of the ingredients the night before.
Store everything in the Crockpot insert in the refrigerator, then place it into the slow cooker the next day and begin cooking about three hours before guests arrive.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and gently reheated.
Hosting a Mulled Wine Bar
Set out a tray of garnishes so guests can customize each mug.
Garnish Bar Ideas
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange slices
- Dehydrated oranges
- Rosemary sprigs
- Fresh cranberries
- Apple slices
- Star anise
- Brown sugar for lightly sweetening
- Small bottles of bourbon or brandy for optional add-ins
This simple setup makes your holiday gathering feel extra special with very little additional work.
Looking for a Non-Alcoholic Version?
If you’re serving a crowd, consider making both versions.
Alongside this classic Crockpot recipe, serve my Midnight Mass Mulled Wine (Non-Alcoholic) recipe so everyone has something warm and festive to enjoy.
The two drinks look nearly identical and make a beautiful holiday beverage station together.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (approximate)
- Calories: 168
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 9mg
- Alcohol: Approximately 10–12% depending on the wine used and cooking time
More Cozy Holiday Drinks Everyone Loves
- Midnight Mass Mulled Wine Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic) – All the warm spices and citrus without the alcohol.
- The Yule Mule – The Best Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe for Christmas (mocktail or cocktail)
- Gingerbread Latte Mocktail – A cozy coffeehouse-inspired holiday favorite.
- Sugar Cookie Martini Mocktail – Dessert in a glass with a festive cookie rim.
Crockpot Mulled Wine Recipe: FAQs
Can you overcook mulled wine in a Crockpot?
Yes. Keeping it on High or allowing it to boil can diminish the flavor and evaporate much of the alcohol. Stick with Low and then Warm.
What’s the best wine for mulled wine?
A reasonably priced, dry, fruit-forward red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, or Pinot Noir works beautifully.
Can I leave mulled wine in the Crockpot all evening?
Yes! Once it’s infused, simply switch the slow cooker to Warm and serve for several hours.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Many people find the flavors deepen after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently the next day.
What’s the difference between mulled wine and sangria?
Mulled wine is served warm and infused with holiday spices, while sangria is typically served chilled with fresh fruit.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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