During the holidays, there are just some classic drinks you can’t pass up. If it’s ever felt daunting to try and make your own, this easy homemade microwave mulled wine recipe is going to change all that. Enjoy a warming sip in 10 minutes or less!
Why Make Mulled Wine in the Microwave?
This is an incredibly simple (dare I say foolproof) way to make your own mulled wine at home. Rather than buying a pre-made version, this recipe allows you to choose your own wine, fruits, and spices for a customized touch.
Plus, it takes just minutes to cook up, thanks to your microwave! No standing over the stove stirring or needing to own a slow cooker to make this easy (and delicious) warm adult beverage.
It’s also easy to scale up or down! Make a whole carafe for a party, settle in for a night cap with your spouse when the kids are asleep, or make a single serving just for yourself.
This warm spiced wine is everything we love about the holidays (and winter in general)! It’s a must-make in my house every year.
Katie’s tip
If you have some leftovers afterwards, then treat your sweet tooth to my decadent Mulled Wine Brownies!
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Microwave Mulled Wine Ingredients
- 750mL bottle dry or semi-dry red wine (such as Merlot)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 large orange (Navel or Blood orange preferred)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 star anise
- ½ cup apple brandy
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
- Red Wine. Use any cheap “house” quality dry to semi-dry red wine. My general go-to’s are Cabernet, Merlot, or Pinot Noir.
- Orange. Oranges are very traditional, but apples are a common substitute. I’ve also used pears and cranberries as fruits for flavoring
- Honey. Honey can be substituted by brown sugar, agave syrup, or any other similar sweetener
- Brandy. I like the apple brandy for flavor, but you can also use regular. If preferred, it may also be omitted entirely, but it adds a warmth and depth to the drink you’ll miss out on. Feel free to adjust amounts, though!
- Spices. Cinnamon sticks and star anise are my go-to’s for warm spices in mulled wine. However, I’ve also done whole cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or peppercorns for some kick. Cardamom and vanilla are some more unique alternatives. It’s a very malleable recipe you can adjust to your personal tastes!
How to Make Microwave Mulled Wine
- Pour the bottle of red wine into a microwave safe carafe, bowl, or large cup
- Add ½ cup of honey to the wine, then stir or whisk to combine
- Wash, dry, and cut the orange into quarters, removing any seeds if necessary. Squeeze the orange slices into the wine, then toss the skins in
- Add two cinnamon sticks and 4 star anise
- Microwave on high until hot (but not boiling), which is generally 2 ½ – 3 minutes. Use small 30-second increments near the end of the cook cycle and check frequently
- Add brandy, stir, and allow mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to steep
- Remove spices and peels, then pour hot mulled wine into glasses and serve
- Mulled wine is best enjoyed warm or hot, so reheat on occasion as needed (or store in a crockpot at a low temperature for all-day warming)
Dishes That Pair Well With Mulled Wine
Try your microwave mulled wine with my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, Air Fryer Kielbasa (with a spicy mustard), Air Fryer Quiche, Orange and Almond Air Fryer Biscotti, Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies, dark chocolate, a fresh fruit platter, or a cheese board.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Microwave Mulled Wine?
Yes, you can microwave mulled wine. Whether you’re making your own homemade or just heating a pre-mixed store bought version, it’s safe to microwave it.
Generally, it takes 2-3 minutes on high to bring it to a hot, but not boiling, temperature. Time may vary slightly based on the wattage of your microwave.
How Much is One Serving of Mulled Wine?
One serving of mulled wine is about one 6-ounce glass.
If you only want to make a single serving at a time, use a 187ml bottle of red wine for the base and adjust the ingredients down accordingly.
Can You Reheat Mulled Wine in the Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat mulled wine in the microwave.
If your drink has started to cool off, simply microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each cook cycle. Cook until you’ve reached the desired level of heat, but do not boil.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Microwave Mulled Wine
- The spices and orange should be large enough to fish out easily, but you can use a colander, strainer, or cheese cloth to assist if needed
- Cook time is based on a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, your times may vary slightly
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Mulled wine is best served warm or hot in a mug (bonus points for glass because it’s so pretty). The handle helps prevent accidental burns
- Garnishes are optional, but a slice of orange, cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries, or a cute microwave dried mint leaf make for a festive touch!
More Microwave Treats
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy it is to make homemade mulled wine in the microwave, you’ll never go back to store bought. You can tweak your spices and ingredients to create the perfect recipe for your liking!
I love this recipe for holiday entertaining because it’s flexible for what you have on hand, and thanks to the microwave it’s so quick and easy to make as well. It’s always a favorite for guests!
If it’s still too early in the day to get into the mulled wine, make sure you try out some coffee in the microwave for a great start to your morning!
Easy Homemade Microwave Mulled Wine
Equipment
- Bowl or pitcher safe for microwave use
- Spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 750 mL Bottle dry or semi-dry red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet, or Pinot Noir)
- ½ cup Honey
- 1 large Orange (Navel or Blood orange preferred)
- 2 sticks Cinnamon
- 4 whole Star anise
- ½ cup Apple brandy (such as E&J)
Instructions
- Pour the bottle of red wine into your microwave safe carafe, bowl, or large cup750 mL Bottle dry or semi-dry red wine
- Add ½ cup of honey to the wine, then stir or whisk to combine½ cup Honey
- Wash, dry, and cut the orange into quarters using a sharp knife on a cutting board. Remove any seeds if necessary1 large Orange
- Squeeze the orange slices into the wine, then toss the skins in
- Add cinnamon sticks and star anise to the mix2 sticks Cinnamon, 4 whole Star anise
- Microwave on high until hot (but not boiling), which is generally 2 ½ – 3 minutes. Use small 30-second increments near the end of the cook cycle and check frequently
- Add brandy, stir, and allow mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to steep½ cup Apple brandy
- Remove spices and peels, then pour hot mulled wine into glasses and serve
- Mulled wine is best enjoyed warm or hot, so reheat on occasion as needed (or store in a crockpot at a low temperature for all-day warming)
Notes
- To make mulled wine for one, start with a 187ml bottle of red wine, and quarter the amount of the rest of the ingredients
- The spices and orange should be large enough to fish out easily, but you can use a colander, strainer, or cheese cloth to assist if needed
- Mulled wine is best served in a mug with a handle since it is hot
- Cook time is based on a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, your times may vary slightly
- The orange may be substituted for pears or cranberries
- Honey may be replaced by agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar
- Regular brandy may be used instead of apple if preferred. Feel free to adjust amounts to taste
- Try out different mulling spice combinations to find your favorite. I recommend whole cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or peppercorns for some kick. Cardamom and vanilla are some more unique alternatives
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, quantity consumed, and any sauces used, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
