Easy Mulled Wine Recipe with Slow Cooker
Looking for the best easy mulled wine recipe with a slow cooker? This simple mulled wine recipe has only a FIVE minute prep time! Plus, I designed it specifically for the crockpot or slow-cooker. This makes it easy for you to enjoy your holiday party with your guests!
You can also check out this recipe on YouTube!
Wondering how to make mulled wine? Or how to make red wine cocktails? This hot drink dates all the way back to the second century. Mulled drinks are beverages made with mulling spices, which typically include clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You’ll also often find peppercorn, cardamom, and even vanilla.
Mulled wine is best with a big drinking red- so full-bodied & good tannin. There are endless options that are compatible with this recipe, but I found my perfect match with Apothic Red- a blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel.
I love big, fruity mulled wine, so this is what I came up with that is perfect for my palate. That’s why as a brandy I chose a fruit brandy or Kirsch (Cherry Brandy) to really add some sweeter, richer notes. In my last batch I actually used a Polish Cherry Vodka (that drank like a fruit brandy) and it was KILLER. But it’s tough getting that product in the states so- if you like fruity, definitely try a Kirsch! I also love pear and apple brandy in my Mulled Wine. See my notes below so you can modify it to be YOUR new favorite holiday cocktail!
EASY SLOW COOKER MULLED WINE
SERVES: 6
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 4 HOURS
INGREDIENTS:
1 Whole Orange, cut in wheels
2 Cups Apple Juice
1 Bottle (750 ML) Red Wine
1/4 Cup Brandy
1 Whole Nutmeg (or 1/2 TSP ground)
2 Cinnamon Sticks (or 1/2 TSP ground)
5 Cloves (or 1/4 TSP ground)
5 Allspice Berries (or 1/4 TSP ground)
1/4 TSP Cardamom
1/4 TSP white pepper (black pepper also works)
2 Star Anise
1/2 TSP Vanilla Extract (*optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker, Crockpot or Instant Pot. If using an Instant pot, set on “Slow Cooker” setting. Set on Low for 4 hours. Remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with orange wedge and cinnamon stick.
EASY MODIFICATIONS:
Use water instead of Apple Cider (this will make it less sweet)
Remove Liqueur
Change the booze- you can use cognac or even bourbon for this recipe! I prefer a fruit brandy as I like fruit forward, sweeter mulled wine.
Change up the spices-- I love nutmeg and clove, so I typically add a bit more to bring out those flavors.
Looking for a great non-alcoholic option for the holidays? Try this Mulled Cider Crockpot Mocktail!
MULLED CIDER & POMEGRANATE CROCK POT MOCKTAIL
2 Cups Apple Cider
1 Cup Pomegranate Juice
2 Cinnamon Sticks
5 Allspice Berries
1 Whole Nutmeg
5 Cloves
1 TBS Honey* (*Optional, if additional sweetness is desired)
FRUIT * (Optional, I like adding Cranberries and sliced oranges to this one!)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in slow-cooker. Set on low. Allow to cook for 2 hours. Remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with cranberries and cinnamon stick.