Instant Pot Mulled Wine: Your Guide to the Ultimate Cozy Holiday Drink (Glühwein Recipe)
Experience the quintessential flavors of the holiday season with this incredibly easy Instant Pot Mulled Wine recipe! Often known by its German name, Glühwein, this heartwarming beverage is infused with aromatic spices and can be prepared swiftly in your Instant Pot. While optimized for speed and convenience, it also includes instructions for making it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Perfect for any festive gathering, this spiced wine will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and make every moment feel like a special occasion.
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About Instant Pot Mulled Wine: A Holiday Staple
Mulled wine, also known as Glühwein in Germany, Vin Chaud in France, or Glögg in Nordic countries, is much more than just a drink; it’s a sensory journey that instantly evokes the spirit of the holidays. Each sip transports me to charming holiday markets, filled with the cheerful sounds of festive music, the twinkling glow of fairy lights, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon-roasted almonds mingling with the spiced wine itself. It’s a tradition that has warmed hearts and homes for centuries, and with the Instant Pot, it’s never been easier to recreate that magic.
The moment you start making Instant Pot mulled wine, your home will be enveloped in an unbelievably comforting and festive fragrance. The blend of warm spices with rich red wine creates an atmosphere so inviting, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped directly into a classic holiday movie scene, without needing to light a single candle or bake a batch of cookies from scratch. It’s the ultimate shortcut to holiday cheer, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.
This recipe outlines a perfect combination of mulling spices, carefully selected to create a balanced and fragrant drink. However, feel free to customize it! If you have a favorite local spice shop, you can certainly use their pre-made mulling spice blends for an equally delightful result. The beauty of mulled wine lies in its adaptability to your personal taste and available ingredients.
While traditional mulled wine recipes often call for hours of simmering in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, this Instant Pot version is a game-changer. With only a 1-minute pressure cooking time on High pressure, it’s remarkably quick and efficient. This makes it an ideal option for last-minute guests, unexpected holiday gatherings, or when you simply want to enjoy the festivities rather than being tied to the kitchen. The Instant Pot allows you to achieve deep, complex flavors in a fraction of the time, ensuring you can truly savor every moment of the holiday season.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Mulled Wine
Crafting the perfect mulled wine begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create its signature warmth and flavor:
Red Wine: The foundation of any great mulled wine is a good, full-bodied red wine. I personally recommend using a Shiraz for its rich, spicy notes, but other excellent choices include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec. These varietals stand up well to the mulling spices, offering a robust base without being overshadowed. Avoid anything too delicate or overly sweet, as the additional sweeteners and spices will adjust the final profile.
Brandy: If you’re not already familiar, brandy is a distilled spirit made from wine, which makes it a natural and complementary addition to this recipe. It enhances the wine’s depth and adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity. When selecting a brandy, a mid-range option is perfectly suitable; since it’s being mixed with other strong flavors, there’s no need to splurge on a top-shelf bottle.
Apple: Any variety of apple will work wonderfully to contribute a subtle sweetness and fruity aroma. I typically opt for Honeycrisp or Gala apples due to their crisp texture and balanced flavor, but feel free to use your favorite. Thinly slicing the apple helps it release its flavors effectively into the wine.
Whole Spices: The magic of mulled wine lies in its aromatic blend of whole spices. You’ll need a fragrant combination of star anise for its licorice-like notes, cinnamon sticks for classic warmth, whole cloves for pungent sweetness, allspice berries for a complex hint of pepper and cinnamon, and a touch of black peppercorns to add a subtle, intriguing kick. Using whole spices is crucial, as ground spices would make the wine cloudy and difficult to strain.
Honey: Honey provides a natural, floral sweetness that beautifully rounds out the spice profile. Choose your favorite brand, or if you prefer a different sweetener, agave nectar is an excellent vegan-friendly alternative that works just as well. The amount can be adjusted to your personal preference for sweetness.
Orange Peel: A piece of fresh orange peel is essential for adding bright, zesty citrus notes that cut through the richness of the wine and spices. Ensure it’s a fresh piece to get the most vibrant aroma and flavor.
Essential Equipment for Your Mulled Wine
One of the best aspects of this Instant Pot mulled wine recipe is its simplicity in terms of required equipment. The star of the show, of course, is your Instant Pot. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid because it combines the functionality of an air fryer and a pressure cooker into one sleek unit, eliminating the need to swap out lids. However, rest assured that any Instant Pot model you own will work perfectly for this recipe, delivering deliciously spiced mulled wine with incredible efficiency.
Beyond the Instant Pot, you’ll simply need a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to effortlessly prep your apple and orange peel. A fine mesh strainer will also be incredibly useful for removing the whole spices and fruit slices before serving, resulting in a smooth, clear beverage, though some prefer to leave them in for visual appeal. That’s it! Minimal tools for maximum holiday flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Mulled Wine: Step-by-Step
Making mulled wine in the Instant Pot is astonishingly straightforward, making it perfect for quick preparation or entertaining. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Pressure Cooking Method
The Instant Pot truly shines here, transforming a traditionally slow process into a rapid one without compromising flavor. Begin by adding all of your carefully selected ingredients—the red wine, brandy, sliced apple, whole spices (star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns), honey, and orange peel—directly into the Instant Pot insert. Ensure all ingredients are nestled comfortably within the pot.
Next, secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing vent is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to just 1 minute on High pressure. The short cooking time is all that’s needed for the pressure to infuse the wine with the incredible aromas and flavors of the spices and fruit. Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a manual or quick release of the pressure. This means you’ll manually open the steam release valve to quickly depressurize the pot. Once the float valve drops, the lid can be safely opened.
Serving Your Festive Drink
For a clean and smooth mulled wine, it’s recommended to strain the liquid with a fine mesh strainer before serving. This removes the whole spices and cooked apple slices, leaving you with a beautifully clear and fragrant beverage. However, if you prefer a more rustic presentation and enjoy the visual appeal of the spices and fruit, you can certainly serve the wine without straining.
To elevate the presentation and enhance the flavors further, serve your mulled wine in heatproof mugs, garnished with fresh orange slices, additional apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise pod. These garnishes not only look appealing but also provide an extra burst of aroma with every sip. Enjoy this warm, spiced cocktail immediately for the ultimate cozy experience!
Tips for Crafting the Best Mulled Wine
To ensure your Instant Pot mulled wine is nothing short of perfect, consider these helpful tips:
Calculating Servings: This recipe is designed to yield approximately 5 cups of mulled wine. When I’m hosting a party, I generally plan for about 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 depending on your guest count and how much you anticipate serving. Don’t be afraid to double or even triple the recipe for larger gatherings!
Embrace Whole Spices: This is a non-negotiable tip for truly exceptional mulled wine. Always use whole spices instead of ground spices. Ground spices, when added to wine, will result in a cloudy, grainy texture that is impossible to strain out completely. Whole spices, on the other hand, impart a much cleaner, more vibrant flavor and aroma as they gently infuse the wine during cooking. They are also simple to remove before serving, ensuring a beautiful, clear beverage.
Customizing Sweetness: The sweetness of mulled wine is a matter of personal preference. After the initial Instant Pot cooking and a quick taste test, if you find you prefer a sweeter drink, you have a couple of excellent options. You can stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider directly into the hot mulled wine; its natural sweetness and tartness complement the existing flavors beautifully. Alternatively, for a richer sweetness, a brown sugar simple syrup (approximately 1/4 cup, adjusted to taste) can be added to the warm wine. This allows for precise control over the final sweetness without diluting the flavor.
Choosing Your Wine Wisely: While you don’t need an expensive bottle, opting for a decent quality, full-bodied red wine will significantly impact the final taste. Avoid “cooking wines” or overly cheap bottles, as their undesirable flavors will be concentrated during mulling. A wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own is a good starting point.
Fresh Citrus is Best: Always use fresh orange peel for maximum aromatic impact. Avoid dried peels or juice if possible, as they won’t provide the same bright, zesty notes that fresh citrus offers.
Looking for more delightful warm cocktails to get cozy with? Explore these fantastic options: Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate | Hot Spiced Ale Flip | Boozy Zebra Hot Chocolate | Hot Hazelnut Rum Cocktail
Does Mulling Wine Reduce Its Alcohol Content?
It’s a common misconception that heating alcohol entirely cooks off its alcohol content. While mulling wine does cause a small amount of alcohol to evaporate due to the heat, it doesn’t significantly reduce the overall alcohol percentage. In fact, studies show that even after an hour of simmering, a substantial portion of the alcohol remains. For mulled wine, which is heated but not typically boiled for extended periods, approximately 85% of the original alcohol content will survive the heating process.
This means that mulled wine, despite being served warm and having been heated, still retains its alcoholic kick. It should always be consumed responsibly, just like any other alcoholic beverage. The addition of brandy further ensures that the drink maintains a good alcoholic presence, contributing to its warming effect.
Stovetop Mulled Wine: An Alternative Method
Absolutely, if your Instant Pot is busy with another holiday dish or if you simply prefer traditional methods, this mulled wine recipe adapts beautifully to the stovetop. While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed, the stovetop method allows for a more gradual infusion of flavors and a wonderfully lingering aroma throughout your home.
To make it on the stove, combine all the ingredients—red wine, brandy, sliced apple, whole spices, honey, and orange peel—in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It’s crucial not to let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and potentially cook off some of the delicate aromatics. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to gently steep. You can cook it for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or for up to 3 hours for a deeper, more pronounced spice infusion. The longer it simmers gently, the more intensified the flavors will become. Just be sure to monitor the liquid level occasionally and give it a stir. Before serving, strain the mulled wine to remove the solids, then garnish and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine: Perfect for Continuous Warming
The slow cooker is another fantastic option for preparing mulled wine, especially when you need to keep a large batch warm and fragrant throughout an extended gathering. It’s an excellent choice for parties as it allows guests to help themselves to warm mulled wine at their leisure, maintaining the perfect serving temperature for hours. You can even utilize your Instant Pot’s slow cooker function if you prefer!
To prepare in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients—your chosen red wine, brandy, thinly sliced apple, the full array of whole spices (star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns), honey, and fresh orange peel—directly into the slow cooker insert. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the “Low” heat setting. Allow the mulled wine to cook for approximately 1 hour. This initial hour is sufficient for the spices and fruit to infuse their wonderful aromas and flavors into the wine. After the initial hour, you can switch the slow cooker to its “Warm” setting for the remainder of the evening, or for as long as you plan to serve it. This gentle heat will keep the mulled wine perfectly warm without overcooking it. As with other methods, strain the wine before serving if you prefer a smooth texture, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for an extra festive touch.
Preparing Mulled Wine in Advance: Storage and Reheating
One of the many benefits of mulled wine is its ability to be made ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests during the holidays. This Instant Pot mulled wine can be prepared up to three days in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead beverage for any festive occasion. Once it has cooled, carefully transfer the mulled wine (strained or unstrained, as per your preference) into an airtight container. A large glass jar or bottle works well. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
When it’s time to reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat on your stovetop until it reaches your preferred serving temperature. Avoid boiling it vigorously, as this can diminish the delicate spice flavors and accelerate alcohol evaporation. Gentle warming is key to preserving its aromatic qualities. Reheating slowly ensures that the mulled wine remains as delicious and fragrant as it was on the first day, ready to spread warmth and cheer.
Seeking more inspiration for your next cocktail hour or festive gathering? Be sure to explore my comprehensive cocktail recipes page for a wealth of ideas!
Delightful Pairings: What to Serve with Mulled Wine
Instant Pot mulled wine is an incredibly versatile and delicious beverage that harmonizes beautifully with a wide array of seasonal winter dishes and festive treats. Its warming spices and rich red wine base make it the perfect cocktail for any holiday occasion, whether it’s a bustling holiday party, an elegant dinner, or a cozy movie night at home with loved ones.
I particularly love to feature mulled wine as an inviting opener to a party or dinner, paired with a selection of my favorite appetizers. For convenient, handheld bites that guests can easily enjoy while mingling, consider serving bite-sized baked bacon brie pockets – their savory richness is a wonderful contrast to the wine’s spice. Another excellent choice is BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp, offering a delightful combination of smoky and sweet flavors that truly complement the mulled wine.
When it comes to dinner pairings, the spiced warmth of mulled wine makes it an ideal accompaniment for hearty holiday mains. This herb-crusted rack of lamb with a luscious red wine sauce is always a show-stopping winner, and despite its impressive appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. If you prefer a less gamey meat option, the cranberry rosemary walnut stuffed sheet pan pork tenderloin meal (yes, the title is long, but the recipe is deliciously simple!) offers a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors that will pair wonderfully with your mulled wine.
And let’s not forget desserts! Mulled wine also shines when served alongside festive sweets. Imagine sipping it with fragrant chai snickerdoodle cookies, where the complementary spices create a delightful synergy, or with classic Christmas shortbread cookies for a simple yet elegant treat. Whether sweet or savory, mulled wine elevates the dining experience and adds a touch of holiday magic to any meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Should you find yourself with any delicious Instant Pot mulled wine leftover (though it’s so good, you might not!), proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying its wonderful flavors again.
Storage: Allow the mulled wine to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. A glass bottle with a stopper or a sealed pitcher works perfectly. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. It’s best to remove the whole spices and fruit slices before storing, as they can continue to infuse and sometimes create unwanted bitterness or soften too much.
Reheating: When you’re ready for another cozy mug, simply pour the desired amount of chilled mulled wine into a saucepan. Reheat it gently over low heat on your stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through. The goal is to heat it to a comfortable drinking temperature, not to boil it. Boiling can cause the alcohol to evaporate more quickly and might over-extract flavors from any residual spices. Once warm, pour into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks for a renewed festive touch.
Finally, if you make this Instant Pot mulled wine recipe and love it as much as I do, please take a moment to give the recipe a rating or leave a comment below! I truly cherish hearing from you all when you try my recipes, and I always make an effort to respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have about the recipe, too!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share your culinary creations! It brings me immense joy to see these recipes come to life in your homes – scrolling through those photos is one of my favorite things. Your engagement truly means the world to me!
Instant Pot Mulled Wine Recipe
Equipment
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Instant Pot DUO (or any Instant Pot model)
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Long Wooden Spoon
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Fine Mesh Strainer (optional, for smooth wine)
Ingredients
- 1 750 mL bottle of a full-bodied red wine Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec are excellent choices for their robust flavor.
- 8 oz brandy Adds depth and warmth.
- 1 apple Any crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala, thinly sliced.
- 2 star anise pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 1 tsp black peppercorns Adds a subtle, intriguing kick.
- 1 Tbsp honey Adjust to taste, or use agave as an alternative.
- 1 2- inch piece orange peel Use a vegetable peeler for a wide strip, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Garnish: fresh orange slices additional cinnamon sticks, and star anise for serving.
Instructions
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Add all of the listed ingredients (red wine, brandy, sliced apple, star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, black peppercorns, honey, and orange peel) to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
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Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on High pressure for just 1 minute.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release of the steam by carefully moving the valve to the “Venting” position. This stops the cooking process and preserves the delicate spice notes.
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For a smooth, clear mulled wine, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or serving carafe to remove all the whole spices and apple slices. If you enjoy a more rustic look and don’t mind the spices, you can skip this step.
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Serve the warm mulled wine in heatproof mugs. Garnish generously with fresh orange slices, extra apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise as desired for added aroma and visual appeal. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Then, reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor. Strain before serving and garnish as noted above.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on the “Low” setting for 1 hour. After the initial hour, switch the slow cooker to the “Low” or “Warm” setting to maintain temperature throughout the evening or for as long as desired.
Strain the mulled wine before serving (optional) and garnish with fresh fruit and spices as instructed.
Sweetness Adjustment:
If you prefer a sweeter mulled wine, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider or brown sugar simple syrup to the hot wine after tasting.