crockpot mulled wine is the ultimate holiday hack, right? You know when you’ve got folks crowding the kitchen and you just need something easy… but still a little bit fancy? Or if you’re like me and always forget about the drinks until the last second (oops), then trust me, this recipe will save your day. It’s ridiculously simple, smells better than those fancy candle stores, and honestly—everyone feels taken care of with a mug in their hand. Add this to your cozy drink station for some instant cheer. 
Why This Drink is a Holiday Favorite
There’s just something about crockpot mulled wine bubbling away in the corner that makes a house feel extra warm. Maybe it’s the scent—spices plus orange plus wine equals instant nostalgia. Heck, my grandma used to make her version on the stove, but honestly, the slow cooker is a serious game changer.
I swear, after the second mug, everyone’s a little chattier. Friends start telling stories from years back, the living room just hums, and the vibe isn’t forced—relaxed, easy, just good times. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. That means more time for, you know, actual fun.
You can even set the mood by turning this on an hour before guests arrive. People walk in, get hit with that spiced wine aroma, and suddenly you look like you’re hosting a five-star restaurant (but with less stress). 
Wine and Spice Ingredients
Picking the right ingredients doesn’t need to be stressful. Here’s what gets tossed in:
Start with a cheap but drinkable bottle of red wine. Seriously, don’t splurge.
Chop up an orange or two (I don’t even peel it, just rinse and slice).
Spices: grab a few cinnamon sticks, a couple star anise, whole cloves, and bay leaves if you have ‘em. If you want, a quick shake of nutmeg.
Add a sweetener. Some folks use sugar, others honey, maple syrup is nice and cozy. Taste as you go.
If you want it punchier, a splash of brandy or bourbon goes in at the end.
I know it sounds wild, but don’t overthink the wine part. Once those spices simmer, it tastes like the holidays anyway. For more cozy drink ideas, check out this slow cooker mulled cider – warm up your holiday and see how easy it is to switch up the flavors. 
Slow Cook Instructions
Here it is—dead simple. Dump everything into your crockpot (okay, don’t actually dump, but you get me). Heat on low, and after about an hour, it’s ready for ladling. If you want it stronger, leave it just a little longer, but keep an eye so it doesn’t come to a boil. Boiling is a big no—evaporates the alcohol fast, and let’s be real, we want that flavor.
Give it a taste. Sweet? Spicy enough? Adjust as needed. Sometimes I toss in a little more honey at this point or maybe a third cinnamon stick if I’m feeling wild. It’s flexible. If you’re still feeling chatty in the kitchen, get creative with your spices—just don’t go too wild or you’ll lose that wine base.
“We used your recipe last Christmas, and my family still talks about how our house smelled…like something out of those holiday movies.” – Katie M.
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Serving Suggestions & Mugs
Let’s be real—how you serve crockpot mulled wine can set the tone. I’ve done both elegant and goofy! Here’s what works:
- Use chunky ceramic mugs to keep things hot longer (trust me, glass mugs are pretty but lukewarm in five minutes)
- Toss a few more orange slices and a cinnamon stick in each mug for that next-level holiday vibe
- Plop some little note cards next to the crockpot with the recipe for guests (everyone will ask)
It’s honestly a crowd pleaser, but you can up the wow-factor with something as simple as colored napkins too. Make sure folks know where to park their mugs so nothing gets knocked over—trust me, red wine on beige carpet is a bummer.
Alcohol-Free Versions
Want to make sure everyone’s included? There’s a super easy swap. Use a tart red juice—cranberry or cherry both work—plus everything else (the orange, spices, and sweetener). Skip the booze—it still smells incredible. Sometimes I’ll do a batch of each. That way, anyone who isn’t into alcohol or the kids can have the fun of the holiday mug too.
If you want to get a little fancier, splash in some sparkling water at the end for bubbles. It’s not quite wine, but hey, it’s festive. And nobody feels left out. You can even check out more cozy favorites like easy crockpot chicken and potatoes to round out your spread.
Keep Warm & Party Tips
Alright, so mulled wine is ready. But you want it hot for hours. Flip your slow cooker to “keep warm” and it’ll stay perfect all night (honestly, I leave a ladle right in there). Stir it now and then, especially if you used honey or maple syrup—it tends to settle in the bottom.
Here’s a game changer: set up your holiday drink station near the snacks so it’s easy to refill and grab a bite at the same time. It keeps guests out of the kitchen (you need the space, right?). If the party rolls past midnight, just top it off with more juice or wine as people go.
I like having fun mix-ins out too—like extra cinnamon sticks, dried fruit, or star anise. Let guests play. Who doesn’t love a little DIY, right?
Common Questions
Can I make crockpot mulled wine ahead of time?
Yes, totally. You can make it earlier in the day, then just warm it back up. Actually, it tastes even deeper after a few hours.
What’s the best wine for this?
Go for something you’d sip but nothing upscale. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is my usual.
Can I recycle leftover mulled wine?
Freeze it in ice cube trays. Makes a wild cocktail base later or jazzes up sauces.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
No biggie. Use what you have. Cinnamon and orange are the main things—other spices are bonus.
Can I double the recipe for a big party?
Absolutely. Just watch your crockpot’s fill line. If you overfill it, things get messy fast.
Your New Favorite Festive Tradition
Honestly, crockpot mulled wine should get its own ornament on the tree. It’s the easiest way to make your home feel like a holiday postcard without breaking a sweat. Friends will love you for it. Try this at your next gathering and let the spices do their magic. If you want more tips, recipes, or even a different version, check out this Crockpot Mulled Wine – Peel with Zeal. The little tweaks are up to you—it’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing drink that’ll have everyone lingering a bit longer. And hey, for more inspiration swing by Crockcozy.
Crockpot Mulled Wine
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy and festive crockpot mulled wine recipe is perfect for the holidays, filling your home with warm, spiced aromas and providing guests with a cozy drink.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 2 oranges, chopped
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- Sweetener (sugar, honey, or maple syrup, to taste)
- Brandy or bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a crockpot.
- Heat on low for about 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally and taste, adjusting sweetness and spices as desired.
- Serve warm in ceramic mugs with additional orange slices and cinnamon for garnish.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time and warmed up before serving. For an alcohol-free version, use tart red juice instead of wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
