This non alcoholic mulled wine recipe is a great alternative for children, drivers or anyone who wants to enjoy the festive season alcohol free.

I think I hit the jackpot with this mulled wine and this is why I’m VERY, no scrap that I’m super excited to share this recipe. It’s heart warming courtesy of the array of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and star anise. Then there’s that fruity flare from the cranberry and red grape juice which balances its self out with the zestiness of orange and lemon. This spicy concoction is prepared and ready to drink within an hour

What is mulled wine

In short, mulled wine is a beverage that is made from red wine with an assortment of spices infused. The drink is served warm throughout various parts of Europe during the Christmas period.

The good news is mulled wine is typically vegan/gluten free making it suitable for most dietary requirements.

Does mulled wine contain alcohol

Yes it does and the percentage of alcohol will vary according to the manufacturers/brand. Although, mulled wine is known as an alcoholic beverage (clue is in the name) you can find stores that stock non alcoholic versions of this drink as well.

What does mulled wine taste like

To me, I think mulled wine is a combination of warmth from the spices with my a sweet/fruity berry flavour with a subtle taste of citrus. It reminds me of a heated version of my beloved Caribbean Christmas beverage called sorrel.

Ingredients needed to make non alcoholic mulled wine

Cranberry juice
Red grape juice
Orange
Lemon
Water
Agave nectar
Star anise
Cinnamon sticks
Nutmeg
Cloves
Cardamom pods

How to make non alcoholic mulled wine

Pour the cranberry juice, red grape and water into a medium sized saucepan on medium heat
Then add the slices of orange, lemon along with the spices – cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg.
Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
During the time do a taste test to determine how much sweetness you desire.
After the given time remove the saucepan from the stove and leave to steep for another 15 minutes

Use a sieve/muslin cloth to strain the excess spices and fruit.
Squeeze half the orange over the ready made mulled wine if including then stir
Serve warm (re-heat strained if needed) in heat proof glasses

Tips and notes for making the best non alcoholic mulled wine

Excluding the nutmeg, try to use whole spices, pods, sticks etc.. and not dried ones as you can control the flavours much better when they aren’t in their dried form.
Use pure cranberry and red grape juice, double check the labels to make sure there’s no excess ingredients because things like sweetener can impact the overall sweetness of the mulled wine.
DON’T leave the mulled wine to steep overnight, the flavours will become unbalanced and one ingredient is likely to overpower the other.
Remove the fruit slices and whole spices before serving, no one wants a mouthful of cloves or cardamom pods so be mindful of that.
Make sure the mulled wine is only heated up NOT boiled and serve in heat proof glasses

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best way to store the mulled wine

Allow it to cool down completely before pouring into a jug to store any leftovers. Keep refrigerated and simply warm up what you need/want accordingly.

How long does this mulled wine last

I would say keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Although it doesn’t last very long around here.

Who is this drink suitable for

It’s suitable for almost anyone. I geared the recipe towards those who don’t drink, drivers who want to be involved in the festive period without the boozy effect, children and pregnant women.

More winter drink recipes

Jamaican hot chocolate

Vegan pumpkin pie smoothie

Vegan pumpkin spice hot chocolate

White hot chocolate recipe

Pumpkin spice drink

Non alcoholic mulled wine