Nothing feels cozier than a warm cup of spiced wine on a cold night. Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe brings that cozy joy into your home. It is simple, fragrant and perfect for friends.
In this post, I share the Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe in very easy steps. You will also learn how to make Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine and the Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine. Your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this drink on a chilly evening. The house soon smelled sweet and warm. Orange and spice filled the air. Friends walked in and smiled right away. The first sip felt soothing and gentle.
No part of the recipe felt hard. Simple steps gave big flavor. It was calm to cook and fun to serve. I now make it every winter night. It feels like a hug in a mug.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Drink
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: about 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Peeler or zester
- Heatproof mugs
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large orange, peel in wide strips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional but nice)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the orange and spices
Wash the orange, slice peel strips and measure spices so cooking feels calm and smooth without last minute rush today. - Add liquids to the pot
Pour red wine and apple cider into a large pot with room to simmer slowly without boiling over too much. - Add flavorings
Add orange peel, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and honey, letting scents rise gently and fill your kitchen today. - Heat gently
Warm the pot over low heat, keep patient and avoid boiling, because gentle heat keeps flavors soft and wine smooth. - Stir at times
Stir slowly every few minutes to blend honey and spices evenly, helping sweet notes spread through the warm wine nicely. - Taste and adjust
Taste a small spoon carefully, add more honey or cider if you want sweeter flavor, and keep heat low always. - Let flavors steep
Let the mulled wine steep for ten more minutes so spices give cozy flavor that feels perfect on cold evenings. - Finish and serve
Turn off heat, add a splash of brandy if you like, then ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slice.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe
- Use good but not pricey red wine
- Keep heat low to protect flavor
- Do not let it boil
- Taste and sweeten slowly
- Fresh orange peel gives bright aroma
- Serve warm, not very hot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the wine and losing flavor
- Using too many spices at once
- Skipping the steeping time
- Adding sugar instead of honey then over sweetening
- Forgetting to taste before serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mulled wine in heatproof mugs. Add a cinnamon stick or orange slice for a pretty look. Offer small cookies, cheese or nuts on the side.
It suits holiday dinners, cold nights or relaxed talks with friends. The drink feels festive and calm at the same time.
Variations You Can Try
- Use pear cider instead of apple cider
- Add lemon peel for bright taste
- Replace honey with maple syrup
- Skip brandy for lighter drink
- Add a tiny piece of fresh ginger
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge
- Keep for up to two days safely
- Reheat slowly on low heat only
- Do not boil when reheating
- Remove spices if flavor grows too strong
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~24 g |
| Protein | ~0 g |
| Fat | ~0 g |
| Sugar | ~22 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
Health Benefits
Mulled wine contains spices like cinnamon and cloves. These bring warm comfort and lovely aroma. Red wine also has natural plant antioxidants.
Enjoying a small mug can feel relaxing and cozy. Always drink in moderation and stay mindful of alcohol limits.
Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large orange peel in wide strips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise optional but nice
- 1/4 cup brandy optional
Instructions
Prepare the orange and spices
- Wash the orange, slice peel strips and measure spices so cooking feels calm and smooth without last minute rush today.
Add liquids to the pot
- Pour red wine and apple cider into a large pot with room to simmer slowly without boiling over too much.
Add flavorings
- Add orange peel, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and honey, letting scents rise gently and fill your kitchen today.
Heat gently
- Warm the pot over low heat, keep patient and avoid boiling, because gentle heat keeps flavors soft and wine smooth.
Stir at times
- Stir slowly every few minutes to blend honey and spices evenly, helping sweet notes spread through the warm wine nicely.
Taste and adjust
- Taste a small spoon carefully, add more honey or cider if you want sweeter flavor, and keep heat low always.
Let flavors steep
- Let the mulled wine steep for ten more minutes so spices give cozy flavor that feels perfect on cold evenings.
Finish and serve
- Turn off heat, add a splash of brandy if you like, then ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slice.
Notes
- Use good but not pricey red wine
- Keep heat low to protect flavor
- Do not let it boil
- Taste and sweeten slowly
- Fresh orange peel gives bright aroma
- Serve warm, not very hot
FAQs about Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe
1. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it earlier the same day, then cool and chill it. Reheat gently later, and avoid boiling so the soft flavor stays lovely and smooth.
2. What wine works best for this recipe?
Choose a dry red wine like merlot or cabernet. You do not need expensive wine because spices lead the flavor. Smooth, simple wine gives the best balanced cup.
3. Can kids drink mulled wine?
No, this recipe contains alcohol and is only for adults. For kids, warm apple cider with spices works great and gives similar cozy aroma without alcohol risk.
4. How sweet should mulled wine be?
Sweetness is personal. Start with the honey listed, then taste slowly. Add more honey or cider if needed, keeping flavors gentle and not heavy.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine Recipe is warm, simple and joyful. It turns cold evenings into happy moments. With easy steps, anyone can learn how to make Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine at home.
Use fresh spices, take your time, and enjoy the rich scent. Share it with friends, or sip it quietly by yourself. This lovely drink feels like comfort in a glass.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!