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 You Want to Make This Recipe
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.
You might also enjoy watching my mulled wine web story to get a sense of how easy this recipe is!
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)!
Garnish it with some cranberries and a cute microwave dried mint leaf for a festive touch!
Ingredients to Gather
- 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
Recipe 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 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.
What is a Mulled Wine Serving Size for One?
The mulled wine serving size for one is about a 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.
Expert Recipe Tips
- 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 warm or hot in a mug (bonus points for glass because it’s so pretty). The handle helps prevent accidental burns
- Cook time is based on a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, your times may vary slightly
Other Treats to Make in the Microwave
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!
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
- Microwave
- Bowl or pitcher safe for microwave use
- Spoon or whisk
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
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
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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