Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When the weather turns chilly, we like to take all the necessary steps to get cozy. That includes bundling up with a warm blanket, lighting the fireplace, and making a batch of mulled wine! The classic winter cocktail is often associated with holiday parties and Christmas markets, but you can also stir up a pot whenever the craving hits. It's basically a batch cocktail that combines red wine with mulling spices. And when it's served up hot, it's the coziest drink around.
Looking to try mulled wine at home? Ree Drummond's cranberry mulled wine recipe is always a great place to start. "You'll warm up instantly," she says. All you need to do is throw some spices to a pot (whole cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and fresh ginger); add the best red wine for mulled wine, sweetener, a bit of brandy, and some garnishes (like fresh cranberries or orange slices). Then, let it slowly simmer until it's fragrant and warm.
Top Picks
Simply put, the key to making mulled wine is having a good bottle of red wine handy. But what types of wine are best for mulled wine? Just like with the best wines for sangria, the wines you choose for mulled wine don't need to be fancy (you'll be adding other ingredients to it anyway so there's no need to break the bank on an expensive bottle). Instead, look for a full-bodied wine with fruity flavor, like a Merlot, Zinfandel, or any one of the options ahead!
Merlot is an ideal choice of wine for making mulled wine. Its bold, juicy fruit flavor has notes of red cherry, plum, and cranberry. Plus, this particular selection is made with fruits from California's central coast at an affordable price.
Red Zinfandel can tend to be on the sweeter side, which makes it perfect for using in mixed cocktails! This wine balances out the sweetness with notes of baking spices, like clove and nutmeg, that perfectly embody the flavors of mulled wine.
This dry red wine is made from a mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and zinfandel wine grapes. It takes a little bit of the best of each grape to create a wine that's smooth, rich, and jammy.
This medium-bodied wine is made with 100% organic grapes. The crimson color and subtle herby flavor make it a unique choice for your spiced mulled wine.
Looking for a wine on a budget? This one is bold, full-bodied, and sure to do the trick! The wine-maker is known for serving up bottles that you can enjoy any night of the week.
In Spain, the garnacha grape is incredibly versatile and can easily be paired with pasta, beef, or even pizza. Thanks to its fruity, berry notes and oak aging, it's also great for pairing with warm spices in cocktails.
Boxed wine is a great choice when you're serving a crowd. You can stir up a big pot of mulled wine with this one box that's equal to four bottles! The best part? It's an award-winning merlot with full-bodied flavor.
This Argentinian wine is loaded with warm spiced flavor that'll remind you of cozying up in front of a hearth or fireplace. Just like with other Malbecs, it has an inky purple color that lends to a beautiful beverage.
Cozy Up With Seasonal Fall Cocktail Recipes
Everything to Make During Pumpkin Spice Season
A New Survey Reveals How Popular Pumpkin Spice Is
Watch Ree Use Her 'Surprise Favorite' Shot Glasses
