How to Make the Perfect Holiday Mulled Wine on the Stovetop
Ready to make your house smell absolutely incredible for the holidays? ✨🍷
There is nothing quite like the aroma of slow-simmering spices to transport you to the ultimate cozy winter evening. Whether you are hosting a festive holiday gathering or simply curling up by the fire on a chilly night, a steaming mug of mulled wine is like a big, comforting hug in a mug.
At Spice Sparrow, we believe that the secret to the perfect holiday beverage is using premium, raw ingredients. That is why our signature Mulling Spices blend uses whole forms of cinnamon sticks, robust star anise, allspice berries, cloves, and a hint of dried orange peel, rather than powders. Hand-packed with care in our workshop, this artisanal blend ensures the flavor in your pot is incredibly pure and robust.
The best part? It is beautifully simple to make. The only rule you have to remember is to gently heat the wine—never bring it to a boil!
Kitchen Tip: We love simmering this recipe in our favorite Dutch Oven because it holds a low, steady heat perfectly and looks gorgeous sitting on the stove while guests arrive.
Scroll down for our foolproof stovetop recipe, and don’t forget to grab your own pouch of our Mulling Spices to keep your pantry stocked all winter long!

The Ultimate Stovetop Holiday Mulled Wine
Ingredients
Method
- Combine: Add one heaping tablespoon of the Spice Sparrow Mulling Spices into a heavy-bottomed pot or a slow cooker. Pour in your red wine or fresh apple cider.
- Warm: Place the pot on the stove over low-medium heat. Gently heat the mixture, being very careful not to let it boil.
- Simmer: Allow the liquid to slow-simmer for at least 20 to 30 minutes so the whole spices can fully bloom and infuse their flavors into the drink.
- Serve: Strain the spices from the liquid before serving. Pour into glass mugs and garnish each with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Pro-Tip: If you are hosting a long party, you can transfer the strained mulled wine into a slow cooker set to “Keep Warm” so your guests can serve themselves all night!
