Slow cooker mulled wine is the coziest way to warm up the holiday season, gently heating red wine with spices, citrus, and apple cider for an easy, hands-off drink that fills your home with the best kind of winter magic.
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The backstory.
Every December, I'm reminded of the first time I walked into a holiday market and caught that unmistakable scent of spices mingling with warm wine. It was cold enough to see my breath, but that steaming cup of mulled wine felt like holding a tiny, glowing fireplace. This crockpot version brings all that nostalgic warmth home - without standing outside in the snow. It is the best mulled wine recipe, hands down.
It's a must make.
If you love leaning on your slow cooker for effortless holiday recipes, this crockpot mulled wine deserves a spot in your lineup.
- A true set-it-and-sip recipe. This slow cooker drink warms gently without babysitting.
- Perfect for gatherings. Guests can ladle their own warm mugs throughout the evening for a fun festive drink.
- Easy to customize. From brandy to apple cider tweaks, you can tailor the flavor.
- Smells like the holidays. The spices, citrus, and red wine fill your home with instant cheer.
Let's talk flavor and texture.
This mulled wine is smooth, warm, and gently spiced - never harsh or overly boozy. The slow cooker infuses merlot with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, orange slices, and fresh ginger, creating a velvety, citrus-kissed sip. The apple cider adds natural sweetness while the spices bloom into a cozy, rounded finish.
What you'll need to make this mulled wine crocpot recipe.
To make this crockpot mulled wine shine, simple ingredients come together to build deep, seasonal flavor for a festive drink.
- Red wine: A 750 mL bottle of merlot or another medium-bodied, inexpensive dry red wine works beautifully.
- Apple cider: Adds natural sweetness and balances the spices; apple juice works too.
- Sweetener: Honey or granulated sugar helps round out the warm, spiced wine.
- Citrus: Orange slices and a bit of lemon add brightness to the mulled wine.
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, ground cardamom, and fresh ginger create that classic holiday aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Adds smooth depth and warmth.
- Brandy: Optional, but adds a rich, festive kick.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
If you love this crockpot mulled wine, you'll definitely want to try a few more warm holiday sippers. My Slow Cooker Egg Nog is rich and creamy, Crockpot Wassail is packed with cozy spice, and Slow Cooker Hot Christmas Punch brings all the festive flavor with almost no effort.
How to make it.
Here's an overview of how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!
- Add the wine, apple cider, citrus slices, and whole spices to the slow cooker.
- Warm on low until the mixture is steaming, not boiling.
- Stir in the sweetener, then add the cardamom, vanilla, and brandy.
- Switch the slow cooker to warm for serving and remove citrus and spices if holding for several hours.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
Make it your way.
If you want to put your own twist on this homemade mulled wine crockpot recipe, small changes can make it uniquely yours.
- Swap some apple cider for cranberry juice for a pop of tartness.
- Add pomegranate juice for extra fruity depth.
- Use a splash of maple syrup to make it indulgent.
- Add a few fresh cranberries for extra color.
How to serve it.
This warm spiced wine is made for cozy gatherings, holiday dinners, or a simple night by the fire.
- Serve with orange slices and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
- Pair with a plate of simple cookies or biscotti.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs for outdoor gatherings or winter parties.
- Offer a small cheese and nut board to balance the warm, sweet spices.
Kori's tips.
- Keep it just warm, not hot wine. Boiling will cook off the alcohol and dull the flavor.
- Remove citrus and spices if holding for several hours. They can turn the mulled wine bitter over time.
- Use whole spices instead of ground when possible. Whole spices infuse better and make straining easier.
- If you prefer a smoother sip, strain the mulled wine into a pitcher, then return it to the slow cooker on warm.
📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!
FAQ's
Let the leftover mulled wine cool completely, then store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Warm gently in the slow cooker on low or on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling so the flavor stays smooth.
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📖 The recipe.
Crockpot Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 750 mL bottle merlot or other inexpensive dry red wine
- 2 cups apple cider or apple juice
- ¼ cup honey or granulated sugar (plus more to taste)
- 1 orange (washed and sliced into rounds, use half for brewing and half for garnish)
- ½ small lemon (washed and sliced into rounds, use half of the slices for brewing and half for garnish)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 3 slices fresh ginger (peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Add the red wine, apple cider, sugar, half the orange slices, half the lemon slices (if using), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger to a small slow cooker, about 3 to 4 quarts.
- Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours, until the mixture is very warm and steaming but not boiling.
- Sprinkle in the ground cardamom, if using, and stir well. Add the brandy and vanilla extract, if using, and taste; add a little more sweetener if you like it sweeter.
- Turn the slow cooker to warm for serving. If you plan to hold it for more than 2 to 3 hours, remove the citrus slices and whole spices so the does not become bitter. Ladle into heatproof mugs, straining through a fine-mesh strainer if desired, and garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
© 2025 Slow Cooked Eats
Keep the slow cooked eats going.
Here are a few more crockpot holiday recipes!
- Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Hot Apple Cider in the Slow Cooker
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Crockpot Ham
- Herb Butter Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Bone-In)
- Pumpkin Crockpot Dump Cake
- Crockpot Pecan Pie
- Slow Cooker Rice Pilaf with Wild Rice and Cranberries
- Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Crock Pot Stuffing with Sausage
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
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