Warm up this winter with our easy non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe! This simple mocktail blends juice, spices, and fruits for a cozy, alcohol-free treat.
Winter nights feel gentler than the summer, perfect for an easy non-alcoholic mulled wine that keeps all the festive charm of the traditional drink, without the alcohol. This alcohol-free version combines non-alcoholic red wine with warming spices and fruit, creating a sophisticated holiday drink everyone can enjoy while sitting by the fire.
The recipe transforms non-alcoholic wine and alcohol-free whiskey on the stovetop, simmering with orange slices studded with cloves and star anise. Fresh cranberries float like tiny ornaments, adding depth of flavor and festive color to this perfect winter drink.
You can even make this in a slow cooker - just combine the ingredients and let it mull on low until ready to serve.
This Christmas drink takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings. I love hearing guests' excited whispers when they discover this warming spice-filled mocktail tastes just like the boozy original. Kids love it too, it's a great way of making them feel included with what's served with everyone else. It's a great alternative for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy the same special drink.
I started making this non-alcoholic version for Dry January, when friends drop by to exchange holiday stories. Then it became our go-to New Year's Eve welcome mocktail. The mulling spices and fruit create such a cozy atmosphere that it's become one of my favorite things about winter entertaining.
Ingredients
- Non-alcoholic red wine - serves as the base, providing a rich flavor. Any non-sweet zero proof red wine will do; I've used different ones with good results (Artis dealcoholized Merlot is great).
- Non-alcoholic whiskey - adds depth and complexity to the drink. I used Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey for this.
- Orange - contributes citrus notes and freshness.
- Whole cloves - infuse warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cinnamon sticks - add a sweet and spicy essence.
- Star anise - provides a unique licorice flavor.
- Fresh cranberries - add tartness and color.
- Honey - offers natural sweetness to balance flavors.
- Water - helps to dilute and blend the ingredients.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
If you're looking for a cozy and festive drink to enjoy during the holiday season, this non-alcoholic mulled wine is the perfect choice! This easy non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe combines warming spices and fruit juices to create a delicious mocktail that everyone can enjoy, including kids. Whether you're sitting by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, follow these simple steps to make your own mulled wine that will fill your home with familiar aromas and flavors.
Prepare the Clove-Studded Orange
Start by preparing the orange for your mulled wine. Take a fresh orange and stud it with whole cloves, pushing them into the skin. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor as the orange mulls with the spices.
Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Place the clove-studded orange in a large saucepan. Add your choice of non-alcoholic wine, such as non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice, along with cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This combination of juices and spices is what makes this non-alcoholic mulled wine so special.
Heat the Mixture
Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. It’s important not to let it boil, as you want to keep the flavors mellow. Let the non-alcoholic mulled wine simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their warming flavors into the juice.
Steep and Serve
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes. This extra time allows the spices to fully develop their flavor. Once steeped, remove the orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise from the pot.
Enjoy Your Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Serve the non-alcoholic mulled wine hot in mugs, making sure to include a few cranberries in each serving for a festive touch. This mocktail is a great alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages, making it suitable for everyone, including kids. You can also garnish with orange slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Top Tips
Use your preferred juice: Incorporating cranberry juice, red grape juice, or pomegranate juice not only adds a beautiful color to your non-alcoholic mulled wine but also enhances the flavor profile. Cranberry juice provides a tartness that balances the sweetness from other juices, while red grape juice adds a rich, fruity base, and pomegranate juice contributes a tart and slightly sweet flavor. All three options complement the warming spices, making your mulled wine more refreshing.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. While cinnamon sticks and star anise are classic choices, you can also add cardamom or ginger for an extra kick. Mulling spices can really elevate the depth of flavor in your non-alcoholic mulled wine.
Serve with garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your mulled wine by garnishing with fresh orange slices, pomegranate seeds, or additional cranberries. These not only look festive but also add a burst of freshness to each sip!
From Mocktail to Cocktail
Want to make this drink boozy? Here's how:
In place of the non-alcoholic wine, add 4 ounces of your favorite vodka, spiced rum, or brandy for a warming kick. This will enhance the flavors of the spices while adding depth and richness to the drink.
For an extra twist, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, to bring out the citrus notes and add a touch of sweetness.
Drink responsibly and enjoy your festive mulled wine cocktail!
The Forest is Full of Mocktails
As winter settles in after the holiday rush, there's something special about relaxing with a soothing glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine while watching your favorite show. If you want more non-alcoholic options, several mocktails capture the spirit of the season.
The Toasted Almond Drink Recipe brings a rich, nutty flavor to your evening. If you're fond of botanical notes, the Christmas Gin Mocktail mimics the festive drink without alcohol. The Chai White Russian Mocktail Recipe combines aromatic spices with cream for a comforting sip. For a refreshing citrus option, try the Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail. Peppermint Candy Cane Mocktail, which brings the classic holiday flavor to your glass.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml non-alcoholic red wine bottle
- ¼ cup non-alcoholic whiskey
- 1 orange
- 10-15 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Stud the orange with cloves by pushing them into the skin.
- Place the clove-studded orange in a large pot.
- Add non-alcoholic wine, non-alcoholic whiskey, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, honey, and water to the pot.
- Heat over medium-low heat until simmering.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Serve hot in mugs, including a few cranberries in each serving.
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