Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine (Instant Pot, Stove Top, Slow Cooker)

This mulled wine recipe is completely free from alcohol and is a great alternative for children, drivers or anyone who wants to enjoy the festive season without the booziness or hangover. Use your slow cooker, instant pot or stove top to prepare this drink.

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 aka spiced wine is an alcoholic beverage that is made from red wine with an assortment of spices.

The drink is served hot or warm and is very popular throughout various parts of Europe during the winter time and especially around 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 and the type of alcohol that is used will vary according to each country.

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.

Non alcoholic mulled wine is an alcohol free, mocktail type of drink. It's made from a combination of the following fruit juice (usually red grape, apple, pomegranate and cranberry), spices and fruit.

There is no right or wrong way of making this version, the spices, choice of fruit and juice tends to vary from person to person but the overall results taste very similar.

What does mulled wine taste like?

To me, I think mulled wine is a combination of warmth from the spices with a sweetness with a combination of a fruit infused berry flavour with a subtle taste of citrus.

It reminds me of a heated version of my beloved Caribbean Christmas beverage called sorrel.

Even without the alcohol content the taste is very delicious without the boozniess/tipsy feeling.

Ingredients you will need

• Cranberry juice and red grape juice - both drinks are made from fruit and serve as the best foundation for any non alcoholic mulled wine. Be sure to use juice that is 100% pure and free from any unnecessary ingredients such a sugar, additives and preservatives.
• Orange and lemon slices - for a burst of zestiness
• Water - to subtly dilute/balance out the flavours so they aren't overpowering.
• Sweetener - This is optional, because cranberry juice is quite tart and red grape juice is naturally sweet, you may find that you don't want to add any additional sweetener, although I like to add a splash of maple syrup.
• Star anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom pods - all of these spices are used as a flavour enhancer and for warmth. Each spice plays its own crucial role .i.e bittersweet, earth tones, woodiness, liquorice and so fourth) and I wouldn't recommend omitting any of them.

Reasons to make this beverage

• Perfect warm drink to cosy up to during the winter time.
• Free from any additives and/or preservatives.
• It contains no alcohol making it suitable to children and/or adults who maybe omitting alcohol for many reasons i.e driving, religion, medical etc..
• Bottle it up and gift it to a loved one or someone special.
• Very simple, straight forward recipe (it's hard to mess up, it's that easy!)

The steps

• 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 (if at all).
• 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.

Instant pot version

• Add the orange, lemon slices along with the spices - star anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves to the stainless steel inner pot.
• Pour in the grape juice, cranberry juice and water.
• Secure the lid and turn the knob to the "sealling" position.
• Pressure cook on "high" for 5 minutes. Once finished allow the pressure to release for about 10 minutes then do a quick release afterwards.
• Use a slotted spoon/small mesh strainer to remove the fruit slices and spices.
• Stir in your sweetener to taste and squeeze in half an orange
• Serve warm or alternatively select the "keep warm" function to keep the mulled wine warm until ready to serve.

Slow cooker version

• Add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker.
• Switch on the unit and select "low" and set for 60-90 minutes.

• Use a slotted spoon/small mesh strainer to remove the fruit and spices.
• Stir in the sweetener to taste and squeeze in the half an orange.
• Once the drink is done, keep the crock pot in "keep warm" mode until you are ready to serve.

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 religious people or anyone who might be omitting alcohol for other reasons.

Notes and tips

• 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.
• Feel free to be adventurous by adding some apple juice or pomegranate juice.
• You can use red grape juice by itself instead if you want to. I have tried this method and it works just fine.
• 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.

More festive and winter drinks to try

• Vegan Coquito
• Sorrel Drink
• Caribbean Chilli Chocolate Tea
• Ponche de Creme
• Jamaican Ginger Beer
• Haitian Cremas
• Vegan Irish Cream
• White Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Pumpkin Spice Latte

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