When the weather turns cold, whip up this Mulled Wine with Brandy—vanilla, citrus, and warm spices make it a winter must-have.
Looking for Tuaca cocktails? Try this delicious one! Vanilla, citrus, and warm spices make this mulled wine recipe a treat for the senses.
Table of Contents
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine, known as “glögg” in Nordic countries and “glühwein” in Germany, has a long history. It has been warming people since Roman times when wine was heated to fend off harsh winter weather.
This warm, spiced alcoholic beverage is made by heating red wine with sugar, spices like cinnamon and cloves, and sometimes citrus fruits. It’s especially popular during winter, particularly around Christmas.
Reasons to Love This Mulled Wine
- Mulled Wine with Brandy is the perfect cozy, warming drink for those chilly winter nights.
- It’s so simple to make, especially when you’re hosting friends and family.
- Everyone loves it—it’s always a hit at holiday gatherings.
Recipe Ingredients
- Dry Red Wine: It gives that rich, full-bodied flavor that pairs well with the spices.
- Tuaca Liqueur: I love how it adds a smooth vanilla-citrus note, making the mulled wine extra warm and cozy.
- Cinnamon Sticks: These bring that classic, warm spice we all crave in a good mulled wine—so comforting and aromatic.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
- Spice Variation: Along with the traditional cinnamon and whole cloves, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a few allspice berries for an extra layer of warmth. A slice of fresh ginger can also add a subtle kick, or try a vanilla bean for a richer, smoother flavor.
- Sweetener Options: Try honey for a natural, floral sweetness, or use maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like taste, while agave syrup offers a lighter, more neutral sweetness.
How to Make Mulled Wine with Brandy
Step #1: Place the sugar in a small saucepan. Use a vegetable peeler to peel large sections of the orange into the saucepan, being careful to avoid scraping the white pith. Once peeled, cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into the saucepan.
Step #2: Add the clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the saucepan. Pour in ¾ cup of red wine. Bring the contents to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and boil for 3 minutes.
Step #3: In a large saucepan, heat the remaining wine and star anise over medium-low for about 5 minutes.
Step #4: To serve, ladle 5 ounces (a typical glass of wine) of hot wine into a serving glass. Stir in a tablespoon of the syrup and ½ ounce of Tuaca. Garnish with an orange wheel, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Avoid Boiling the Wine: When heating the wine, be careful not to let it boil for too long, as this can reduce the alcohol content and affect the overall flavor.
- Strain the Syrup: Before adding the syrup to the wine, strain out the spices and orange peel for a smoother texture and more consistent flavor.
FAQs
This wine pairs well with small appetizers like glazed chorizo bites, marinated olives, bacon scallop lollipops, and cranberry whipped ricotta.
To make a big batch for guests, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Prepare the mulled wine in a large pot or slow cooker to keep it warm. Stir occasionally and ladle into mugs when ready to serve. You can also keep the mulled wine warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, making it easy for your guests to serve themselves throughout the event.
Choose a dry, full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Syrah. These wines stand up well to the other flavors without making the mulled wine too sweet. Save your best wine to enjoy on its own—mid-range options work best for mulled wine.
Storage Info
To store mulled wine with brandy, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Freezing isn’t recommended, but reheating is easy—just warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil it, so you keep all those lovely flavors intact. Reheat only what you need to enjoy it at its best!
More Delicious Drinks You’ll Love
Mulled Wine with Brandy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 orange
- 1 clove
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bottles dry red wine - divided
- 1 star anise
- 5 ounces TUACA Liqueur
- Orange wheels for garnish - optional
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a small saucepan. Use a vegetable peeler to peel large sections of the orange into the saucepan, being careful to avoid scraping the white pith. Once peeled, cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into the saucepan.
- Add the clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the saucepan. Pour in ¾ cup of red wine. Bring the contents to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and boil for 3 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, heat the remaining wine and star anise over medium-low for about 5 minutes.
- To serve, ladle 5 ounces (a typical glass of wine) of hot wine into a serving glass. Stir in a tablespoon of the syrup and ½ ounce of Tuaca. Garnish with an orange wheel, if desired.
NOTES
Nutrition
Enjoy responsibly. This post and recipe are intended for those of legal drinking age.
This was easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. The flavor is smooth and not too strong.