The Realist Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe
There’s something magical about the aroma of mulled wine simmering away on the stove. It fills the whole house with a warm, spiced fragrance that just feels like winter.
For centuries, people have enjoyed mulled wine around the holidays. But what if you’re looking for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy, one with all the flavor and coziness, minus the alcohol?
That’s where my non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe comes in.
As a bartender, I know that a drink doesn’t need alcohol to be delicious and full of complex flavors. In fact, with the right combination of spices and a flavorful base, this non-alcoholic mulled wine can stand up to any holiday drink out there.
It’s perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a warming drink after a day out in the cold. Ready to make your home smell amazing? Let’s dive in!
What Is Mulled Wine?
A Brief History of Mulled Wine
Mulled wine has been around since ancient Roman times, when it was used as a way to add spices and warmth to red wine during the colder months.
Over the centuries, it’s become a holiday tradition in many countries, from German Glühwein to British mulled wine. The base is usually a rich red wine mixed with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, then warmed slowly to bring out the flavors.
When I first learned about mulled wine, I was surprised how much it relies on these spices to create its unique character. Even without alcohol, it’s the spices and the warmth that make it such a cozy, comforting drink.
So, by substituting wine with a non-alcoholic base, you can keep all the holiday charm and flavors while making it family-friendly.
Why Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
There are plenty of reasons to go for a non-alcoholic version.
Maybe you’re hosting a party with kids, or you want a cozy drink you can sip on without any alcohol.
This non-alcoholic mulled wine also works for work events or gatherings where not everyone wants to drink but still wants something festive and warm. Plus, it’s delicious and just as satisfying as the classic version!
I’ve covered mulled wine before here and let me tell you, I’ve spoke and self promoted that recipe every year. I personally do drink alcoholic mulled wine and will continue to drink it and continue to promote my easy homemade mulled wine recipe at any chance I get.
But more and more I find myself wanting the coziness without the booze.
Christmas seems to start in November these days so it’s a long time. So taking it slow and having this recipe on hand is perfect. Especially for Monday nights and times when you don’t want to drink.
Choosing the Right Base for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
To make a great non-alcoholic mulled wine, you need a flavorful base that has a rich, full body. Here are a few options that work really well, along with some tips for picking the right combination.
Fruit Juices That Work Best
The main idea is to pick juices that mimic the depth and complexity of red wine while adding a natural sweetness. Here’s what I recommend:
Grape Juice: This is my go-to base for non-alcoholic mulled wine. Dark grape juice has that deep, almost “wine-like” flavor that can hold up to the spices. It’s naturally sweet, too, so you don’t have to add much sugar.
Apple Juice: Apple juice gives the mulled wine a gentle sweetness and helps balance the tartness of other juices. It’s also super cozy and works well with spices.
I often blend grape and apple juice together for a balanced flavor that’s both rich and smooth. For a family gathering last year, I used this blend, and no one even missed the wine!
Other Creative Base Options
If you want to mix things up, you can also use:
Cranberry Juice: This adds a tartness that’s closer to the acidity of real wine and gives the drink a beautiful, festive red color.
Pomegranate Juice: Another great option for a slightly more exotic twist. It’s tart and dark, so it fits well with the spices, and it looks just like red wine.
Try experimenting with different combinations. Sometimes I like to do mostly grape juice with a splash of cranberry for extra tartness. Just remember to taste as you go—each juice can change the flavor of the drink quite a bit.
Essential Spices and Ingredients
The spices are the heart and soul of any mulled wine. They’re what make it taste like the holidays in a cup. Here’s a rundown of the classic spices, along with a few add-ins to take it up a notch.
Traditional Spices
Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon brings warmth and a little sweetness. I always toss in at least one or two sticks for that comforting aroma.
Cloves: These are strong and can easily overpower, so I’d recommend just a few cloves (4–5 is usually plenty for a large pot).
Star Anise: This one’s optional, but I love the licorice-like flavor it adds. Plus, it looks gorgeous floating in the pot!
Optional Add-Ins for Depth
If you want to go beyond the basics, try these extras:
Fresh Ginger: A slice or two of fresh ginger adds a bit of spice and brightness, which helps balance the sweetness of the juice.
Orange Slices: Fresh orange adds a hint of citrus that pairs perfectly with the spices. You can add the slices directly or use the zest.
Honey or Maple Syrup: If your juice isn’t very sweet, a little honey or maple syrup can make a big difference. It also adds richness and complements the spices nicely.
Last Christmas, I added just a splash of maple syrup to my non-alcoholic mulled wine, and it added a cozy, earthy sweetness that everyone loved. Give it a try if you’re in the mood to experiment!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
All right, let’s get to the fun part—making the mulled wine! This recipe is easy, and you can make it in about 30 minutes on the stove or let it warm in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
4 cups dark grape juice
2 cups apple juice (or cranberry juice for a tart twist)
1 orange, sliced
1–2 cinnamon sticks
4–5 cloves
1 star anise (optional)
1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Fresh ginger slice (optional)
Directions
Combine the Ingredients: In a large pot, pour in the grape juice and apple juice. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger if you’re using it.
Simmer on Low: Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s just below a simmer. You don’t want it to boil, just get warm enough to let the flavors blend. Let it sit on low for 20–30 minutes.
Add Sweetener to Taste: Taste the mulled wine after about 15 minutes. If it’s too tart, add a bit of honey or maple syrup. Stir until it’s well combined.
Strain and Serve: Use a ladle to serve the mulled wine into mugs. You can strain out the spices, or leave them in for a stronger flavor as you serve.
Tips for Using a Slow Cooker
If you’re hosting and want to keep it warm all day, a slow cooker is perfect. Just set it to low and let your guests help themselves!
Tips for Perfecting Your Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Adjusting Sweetness and Spice Levels
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect mulled wine, so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go:
If you like it sweeter, add more honey, sugar, or even a bit of brown sugar.
For a spicier flavor, add extra ginger or cinnamon. Just remember that cloves are potent, so start with a few.
Keeping It Warm and Serving Tips
One of the best things about mulled wine is that it’s meant to be enjoyed warm. Here are some tips:
Keep It Warm: Use a slow cooker or reheat the pot on the stove over low heat to keep it at the perfect temperature.
Serve in Mugs: Mugs or heatproof glasses work best for mulled wine. You can add an orange slice or a cinnamon stick in each mug for a little extra holiday charm.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to try something a little different, here are a couple of easy twists on the classic recipe:
Cranberry Orange Mulled Wine
For a festive, fruity version, use cranberry juice as the base and add extra orange slices. This variation is tart, refreshing, and looks beautiful with a few cranberries floating on top.
Apple Cider Mulled Wine
For a sweeter, more autumn-inspired drink, use apple cider as the base. Add a splash of dark grape juice or pomegranate juice for color, and a few extra cinnamon sticks for a spicy kick.
Cheers to Cozy, Festive Sipping!
Making non-alcoholic mulled wine is a fun way to bring the whole family together around a delicious, warming drink. The aroma alone is worth it, but the flavor really seals the deal. It’s a drink that lets you relax, stay cozy, and enjoy the holiday season with all the warmth and flavor, minus the alcohol. So grab a mug, gather around, and toast to the season with this cozy, crowd-pleasing drink. Happy holidays!
Similar Recipes
Finally, if you enjoy this recipe, I’d recommend taking a look at these festive recipes;
As for Christmas drink resources, we recommend checking out;
Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large pot, pour in the grape juice and apple juice. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger if you’re using it.
- Simmer on Low: Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s just below a simmer. You don’t want it to boil, just get warm enough to let the flavors blend. Let it sit on low for 20–30 minutes.
- Add Sweetener to Taste: Taste the mulled wine after about 15 minutes. If it’s too tart, add a bit of honey or maple syrup. Stir until it’s well combined.
- Strain and Serve: Use a ladle to serve the mulled wine into mugs. You can strain out the spices, or leave them in for a stronger flavor as you serve.
Notes
You can try swapping the apple juice and grape juice for a bottle of non alcoholic red wine. It's more expensive but the closest you will get to actual mulled wine.
I also really like swapping the apple juice and grape juice with pomegranate juice. Although it's usually tarter then this version, it's still delicious nevertheless.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
242Fat
1 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
60 gFiber
2 gNet carbs
58 gSugar
54 gProtein
1 gSodium
19 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
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