Effortless Holiday Cheer: The Ultimate Instant Pot Mulled Wine (Glühwein) Recipe
Welcome the holiday season with the ultimate cozy beverage: Instant Pot Mulled Wine! Also fondly known as Glühwein in European Christmas markets, this perfectly spiced drink is incredibly simple to create in your Instant Pot. But don’t worry if you prefer traditional methods; we also provide instructions for the slow cooker and stovetop. Bursting with aromatic spices and rich flavors, this mulled wine is an absolute essential for any festive gathering, spreading warmth and cheer with every delightful sip.
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About This Instant Pot Mulled Wine
For me, mulled wine, or Glühwein, is the quintessential holiday cocktail. Each comforting sip instantly transports me to vibrant European Christmas markets, filled with the joyous sounds of holiday music, the soft glow of twinkling lights, the irresistible aroma of cinnamon-roasted almonds, and an overwhelming sense of festive cheer. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience that captures the essence of the season.
The moment you start making Instant Pot mulled wine, your home fills with an unbelievably comforting and festive scent. The blend of warming spices with rich red wine creates an atmosphere akin to being in a holiday movie, all without the need to light a single candle or bake a batch of cookies from scratch. It’s an instant mood enhancer and the perfect way to infuse your space with holiday spirit.
While the traditional method involves simmering wine for hours on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, the Instant Pot truly shines here. This recipe boasts an incredibly fast 1-minute high-pressure cooking time, transforming ingredients into perfectly spiced mulled wine in mere moments. This speed makes it the ideal choice for unexpected company or for adding a touch of instant festivity to a party, freeing you up to fully enjoy the celebrations rather than being tied to the kitchen.
I’ve provided a carefully selected combination of mulling spices in the recipe card below, designed to deliver a harmonious balance of flavors. However, feel free to explore and use your favorite pre-made mulling spice blends from a local spice shop if you prefer – the key is to customize it to your taste!
Ingredients for Perfect Mulled Wine
Crafting the perfect mulled wine begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that signature festive flavor:
- Red Wine: The foundation of our mulled wine. I highly recommend using a full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the robust spices without being overwhelmed. A Shiraz offers lovely berry notes, a Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, a Merlot brings softness, and a Malbec adds rich fruitiness. Any of these will make an excellent choice.
- Brandy: This often-overlooked addition elevates the depth and complexity of your mulled wine. Brandy, being a liquor distilled from wine, naturally complements the base, adding a subtle warmth and a richer flavor profile. Opt for a mid-range brandy; since it’s being mixed, there’s no need to splurge on a top-shelf bottle. Dark rum or Cointreau can also be interesting substitutions for a different twist.
- Apple: Sliced apples contribute a natural sweetness and a delicate fruity aroma that blends beautifully with the spices. Almost any apple variety will work well; Honeycrisp and Gala are personal favorites for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness.
- Whole Spices: This is where the magic happens! Using whole spices is crucial as they infuse a much cleaner, more profound flavor without making the wine cloudy like ground spices would. You’ll need a delightful combination of:
- Star Anise: For its distinctive licorice-like aroma and visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Sticks: The classic warming spice of the holidays.
- Whole Cloves: Providing a pungent, sweet, and aromatic kick.
- Allspice Berries: Offering a complex blend of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon flavors.
- Black Peppercorns: A subtle addition to give a gentle underlying warmth and a hint of intriguing spice.
- Honey: To sweeten the wine to your preference. Your favorite brand of honey will do the trick, adding a lovely floral note. If you prefer a vegan option or a different flavor profile, agave nectar is an excellent alternative. Brown sugar or maple syrup can also be used.
- Orange Peel: A fresh piece of orange peel provides essential citrus brightness, cutting through the richness of the wine and spices. Aim for a 2-inch piece, avoiding the bitter white pith. You can also add orange slices for extra zest and garnish.
Essential Equipment
The beauty of this Instant Pot Mulled Wine recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal equipment requirements. Primarily, all you truly need is an Instant Pot. I recently invested in an Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid and I am completely obsessed! This innovative model combines the functionalities of an air fryer and a pressure cooker into one unit, eliminating the need to switch out lids, which is incredibly convenient, especially during busy holiday preparations. However, any Instant Pot model you own will work perfectly for this recipe, ensuring you can enjoy this festive drink regardless of your specific device.
Beyond your Instant Pot, you’ll also need a chef’s knife and a cutting board to easily prep your apple and orange peel. A fine mesh strainer will be useful if you prefer a clear mulled wine without the spices and fruit pulp when serving. That’s it! With these basic tools, you’re ready to create a truly memorable holiday beverage.
How to Make Instant Pot Mulled Wine
Making mulled wine in the Instant Pot is astonishingly quick and easy, infusing deep flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:
Pressure Cooker Method
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the entire bottle of red wine and the brandy into the Instant Pot insert. Add the thinly sliced apple, star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns, honey (or agave), and the piece of orange peel. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the honey dissolves.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the sealing valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the cooking time to 1 minute on High pressure.
- Quick Release: As soon as the 1-minute cooking cycle finishes and the timer goes off, immediately perform a manual (quick) release of the pressure. Carefully turn the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to release the steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
Serving Suggestions
After your mulled wine is ready, you have a couple of serving options:
- Strain for Clarity: For a smoother drinking experience and a clear appearance, strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh strainer into a separate pitcher or directly into mugs before serving. This removes all the whole spices and fruit pieces.
- Serve with Spices: If you prefer a rustic presentation and continued flavor infusion, you can serve the wine directly from the Instant Pot (after carefully removing larger pieces of fruit peel if desired), allowing the apples and whole spices to remain in the mugs. Just be mindful of the whole spices when sipping!
- Garnish Beautifully: Enhance the festive appeal by garnishing each serving. Common and delicious options include fresh orange slices or orange wheels, additional thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick for stirring, or a fresh star anise pod.
- Keep Warm: Use the “Keep Warm” setting on your Instant Pot to maintain the perfect serving temperature throughout your gathering.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Instant Pot Mulled Wine turns out perfectly every time and impresses all your guests, consider these helpful tips:
- Planning Your Quantity: One batch of this recipe typically yields about 5 cups of mulled wine. When hosting, I generally account for approximately 2 cups per person, as guests often enjoy more than one serving of this delightful holiday drink. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit the size of your gathering.
- Always Use Whole Spices: This is a crucial tip! While ground spices might seem convenient, they will result in a cloudy, grainy wine that is nearly impossible to strain out completely. Whole spices, on the other hand, slowly release their aromatic oils and flavors into the wine, creating a clean, vibrant taste and can be easily removed before serving. Don’t skip the whole spices for the best results!
- Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness level of mulled wine is a matter of personal preference. After the Instant Pot has finished cooking and you’ve released the pressure, taste the mulled wine. If you find it’s not sweet enough for your liking, you have a few options:
- Apple Cider: Stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of good quality apple cider. This adds a natural sweetness and a complementary fruity note.
- Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Prepare a quick brown sugar simple syrup by dissolving 1/4 cup of brown sugar in 1/4 cup of hot water. Add this gradually to the hot mulled wine until you reach your desired sweetness.
- More Honey/Agave: Simply add another tablespoon or two of honey or agave, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Pre-warm Your Mugs: For the ultimate cozy experience, pre-warm your serving mugs by rinsing them with hot water before pouring in the mulled wine. This helps keep the drink hot longer and enhances the comforting sensation.
- Consider a Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly option, replace the red wine and brandy with an equal amount of cranberry juice, grape juice, or a non-alcoholic red wine substitute. The spices will still infuse beautifully, creating a delicious and festive drink everyone can enjoy.
- Garnish Creatively: Beyond the suggested orange and cinnamon, get creative with your garnishes! A few cranberries, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or a thin slice of lime can add visual appeal and a fresh aroma.
More tasty warm cocktails to warm up with: Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate | Hot Spiced Ale Flip | Boozy Zebra Hot Chocolate | Hot Hazelnut Rum Cocktail
Does Mulling Wine Cook Off the Alcohol?
It’s a common misconception that heating wine completely removes its alcohol content. While mulling wine does cause a small amount of alcohol to evaporate, the vast majority remains. Generally, about 85% of the alcohol will survive the heating process, even after simmering for a while. Because our Instant Pot method cooks for such a short duration, the alcohol reduction is minimal. Therefore, mulled wine should always be treated as an alcoholic beverage.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Stovetop?
Absolutely! This mulled wine recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted for the stovetop if you’re using your Instant Pot for another delicious holiday dish, or if you simply prefer a more traditional cooking method. The stovetop allows for a longer, gentler infusion of flavors.
To prepare on the stovetop: Simply combine all the ingredients—red wine, brandy, sliced apple, whole spices (star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns), honey, and orange peel—in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to boil, as this can cook off too much alcohol and diminish the delicate flavors. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For an even deeper flavor, you can let it simmer for up to 3 hours, keeping an eye on the liquid level. Before serving, strain the mulled wine with a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit, then garnish as desired.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker is a fantastic option for this recipe, especially for entertaining! The low and slow heat of a slow cooker is perfect for developing rich, complex flavors and keeping your mulled wine warm throughout an evening. You can even use your Instant Pot’s slow cooker function if you prefer!
To prepare in the slow cooker: Add all the ingredients—red wine, brandy, sliced apple, whole spices (star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns), honey, and orange peel—to the slow cooker insert. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the “Low” setting for approximately 1 hour. This initial hour allows the flavors to properly infuse. Once heated through and aromatic, switch the setting to “Warm” to maintain a perfect serving temperature for the rest of your gathering. This method is ideal for parties as it allows guests to serve themselves warm mulled wine at their leisure. Strain before serving, or leave the spices in for a more rustic look and continued infusion, then garnish with fresh orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Instant Pot Mulled Wine?
This Instant Pot mulled wine is wonderfully convenient for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance. Once cooked and cooled, transfer the mulled wine (strained or unstrained) to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and gently reheat it over low heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can degrade the flavors. The flavors tend to deepen and meld even more beautifully after a day or two, making it a great option for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Mulled Wine
Instant Pot mulled wine is more than just a drink; it’s a festive experience that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of seasonal winter fare. The comforting warmth and fragrant spices make it the ideal cocktail for a sophisticated holiday party, an intimate dinner gathering, or a cozy holiday movie night spent with family and friends. Its versatility means it complements almost any dish that embodies the spirit of winter.
I often like to serve mulled wine as an inviting opener to a party or dinner, accompanied by a selection of my favorite appetizers. Bite-sized baked bacon brie pockets are always a hit, offering a rich, savory contrast to the spiced wine. Similarly, BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp provides a delightful sweet and savory punch that works surprisingly well.
For the main course, mulled wine can elevate your meal. A succulent herb-crusted rack of lamb with red wine sauce is a truly elegant and impressive choice, yet surprisingly simple to prepare. If you prefer a less gamey meat, a flavorful cranberry rosemary walnut stuffed sheet pan pork tenderloin meal (despite its long name, it’s a straightforward and delicious recipe!) offers a wonderful blend of sweet and savory notes that harmonize beautifully with mulled wine.
And let’s not forget desserts! You can also serve this aromatic drink alongside delightful holiday treats like chai snickerdoodle cookies, which echo the warming spices, or classic Christmas shortbread cookies for a simple, buttery indulgence. Whether it’s appetizers, dinner, or dessert, Instant Pot mulled wine is the perfect companion to enhance your holiday culinary journey.
How to Store and Reheat
Ensuring your delicious mulled wine can be enjoyed beyond the initial serving is simple with proper storage and reheating techniques:
- Store: Any leftover Instant Pot mulled wine should be allowed to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. A glass jar or a sealed pitcher works perfectly. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its delightful flavor for up to 3 days. For best results, it’s advisable to strain out the whole spices and fruit pieces before storing, as prolonged contact can sometimes lead to bitterness.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy another cup of this festive beverage, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan. Reheat it gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through to your preferred temperature. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate more rapidly and alter the delicate balance of flavors. Serve immediately with fresh garnishes to refresh the presentation.
Finally, if you make this Instant Pot mulled wine recipe and fill your home with its wonderful aroma, please take a moment to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love to hear about your cooking experiences and always make time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe, and I’ll be happy to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share your creation! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I adore looking through those photos. Your feedback and shares mean the world to me!
Instant Pot Mulled Wine
equipment
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Instant Pot DUO
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long wooden spoon
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Fine mesh strainer (optional, for clear wine)
ingredients
- 1 750 mL bottle of a full bodied red wine Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec are all excellent options for rich flavor.
- 8 oz brandy Adds depth and warmth; a mid-range brandy is perfect.
- 1 apple Any kind, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well for sweetness and texture).
- 2 star anise For a unique licorice-like aroma.
- 2 cinnamon sticks Essential for classic holiday spice.
- 1 tsp whole cloves Adds pungent sweetness.
- 1 tsp allspice berries A complex blend of warm spices.
- 1 tsp black peppercorns For a subtle warmth and slight kick.
- 1 Tbsp honey Or agave, to sweeten to taste.
- 1 2- inch piece fresh orange peel Avoid the white pith for best flavor.
- Garnish: orange wheels cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh apple slices, as desired.
instructions
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Add all ingredients (red wine, brandy, sliced apple, star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns, honey, and orange peel) to the Instant Pot inner pot. Stir gently to combine.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the sealing valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the cooking time to 1 minute on High pressure.
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Once the cooking time is complete, immediately perform a Quick Release of the steam by carefully turning the sealing valve to “Venting.” Wait for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
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Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness if desired (see tips for success). If you prefer a clear mulled wine, strain it with a fine mesh sieve to remove all whole spices and apple slices. Alternatively, you can serve it unstrained.
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Serve warm in pre-heated mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise, as desired. Use the “Keep Warm” function on your Instant Pot if serving over an extended period.
notes
Combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil), then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes to 3 hours, allowing flavors to deepen. Strain before serving and garnish as noted.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on “Low” for 1 hour until thoroughly heated and fragrant. Keep on “Low” or “Warm” setting throughout the evening for serving. Strain before serving and garnish as noted.
Sweetness Adjustment: After cooking, taste the mulled wine. If you prefer it sweeter, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider or a brown sugar simple syrup (1/4 cup brown sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water), stirring until fully combined.
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