Easy Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

This easy slow-cooker mulled wine is the perfect warming drink for a chilly evening.

Mulled wine is red wine infused with spices and served warm. It’s sometimes called spiced wine. The combination of wine, spices, and brandy makes a warming and comforting drink on a chilly evening.

I love making mulled wine on a cool fall or winter evening. It likes to show up at autumn get-togethers, bonfires, camping, and holidays. It’s a perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving.

It’s also a lovely and festive drink for Christmas. If you have 2 slow cookers, I recommend filling 1 with mulled wine and the other with crockpot hot chocolate for your Christmas gatherings. 

Cooking mulled wine on low, then warm, in a slow cooker allows the mulling spices to infuse without boiling the alcohol.

You can make it in a crockpot or slow cooker and leave it on warm so that a warm and comforting mug of mulled wine is ready for guests. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe in a large slow cooker. 

Make a Mulled Wine Gift Set

If you have a friend or family member who enjoys wine, a mulled wine kit makes a great gift! Handwrite the recipe or print it out (there’s a print button on my recipe cards).

Buy a bottle of red wine, a pint of brandy, and a tiny jar of local honey. Bundle up your mulling spices. I like to make a note about purchasing the cider and oranges since they are perishable.

If you’re bringing it as a hostess gift to someone’s house, you may want to include the cider and oranges. But don’t leave them under a tree for weeks 😉

Ingredients

A bottle of dry red wine such as cabernet, merlot, or pinot noir. I don’t recommend using expensive wine for mulling. We’re adding so many flavors to the finished product that it would be a waste!

Fresh-pressed apple cider adds sweetness and a hint of apple flavor.

Brandy or cognac adds a subtle sweetness and rich flavor. It will also make the drink stronger. You can also use orange or apple liqueur.

Honey or sugar sweetens it up. I prefer the complex flavor of honey. It’s a fine way to use up crystalized honey.

Mandarin oranges or navel oranges add a citrusy flavor and aroma. Set one aside to garnish.

Don’t forget the mulling spices! I like to keep it simple with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. If you have trouble finding whole spices at your local grocer, you can order them online.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a 2-4 quart slow cooker. Double or triple the recipe in a 5- 6 quart slow cooker. 

How to Make it

Stir everything together in the slow cooker crock.

Cook on low for 1 hour. Then, switch the slow cooker to warm and steep on warm for at least 2 hours.

You can keep it on warm for the evening and serve as needed.

Serve warm in a mug and garnish with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover mulled wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to leave the spices and oranges for storage. It allows it to continue steeping.

Reheat leftovers in a pot over low heat.

Serving Tips

• Do not serve hot wine in a traditional wine glass. Serve it in a regular mug, or buy tempered glass mugs for hot drinks.
• Use a big slow cooker and make a double or triple batch to serve a crowd. You can leave the slow cooker on the warm setting and allow guests to serve themselves. 
• Make a pot of mulled wine for chilly fall and winter evenings.
• It’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• You can set up a crockpot near the bonfire with an outdoor electrical outlet.
• If you have an electrical outlet at a campground, this is a perfect fireside drink for autumn camping trips.
• Try serving the mulled wine with a platter of crostini misti (mixed crostini) and spiced pecans. 

More Holiday Drink Recipes

• Crockpot Hot Chocolate
• Apple Butter Bourbon
• Chocolate Martinis

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