Mulled Wine Spritz

There’s something magical about a drink that instantly warms you up from the inside out, and the mulled wine spritz does exactly that. This cocktail brings together the nostalgic comfort of a classic Christmas mulled wine with the light, bubbly charm of a spritz. It’s festive, aromatic, and just the right balance of cosy and refreshing — perfect for those chilly winter evenings when you want to sip on something special.

The beauty of this drink lies in its versatility. You can make a batch of hot wine ahead of time and serve it warm in mugs by the fire, or let it cool and mix it with sparkling wine for a crisp winter cocktail. Either way, it fills your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus — that unmistakable aroma of the holidays that makes everything feel more joyful.

If you’re a fan of a good mulled wine recipe but want to try something new, this spritz version offers a modern twist. It keeps all the soul-soothing spices and rich flavors of traditional mulled wine but adds a lively sparkle that makes it ideal for holiday parties or cosy nights in. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare — a simple diy mulled wine base paired with a bit of fizz turns into something truly festive.

This hot wine recipe feels like a warm hug in a glass, whether you serve it steaming or chilled. It’s the kind of cosy drink that brings people together, invites laughter, and makes even the coldest evenings feel golden. Once you learn how to make mulled wine at home, this spritz variation will become one of your go-to winter favorites — cheerful, comforting, and deliciously seasonal.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s festive but fresh: You get all the comforting, spiced notes of traditional Christmas mulled wine — but with a bubbly twist that feels light and celebratory.
• Perfect for any mood: Whether you’re bundled up by the fire or hosting a winter cocktail party, it works beautifully warm or chilled.
• Fills your home with holiday aroma: The moment you start simmering your diy mulled wine base, your kitchen smells like cinnamon, citrus, and pure Christmas magic.
• A crowd-pleaser with flair: It’s a conversation starter — familiar yet unexpected. Guests will love that it’s both a cosy drink and a fun, sparkling surprise.
• Simple but impressive: You don’t need to be a mixologist to pull it off. Once you know how to make mulled wine, turning it into a spritz takes just a few easy steps.

Ingredient List

For the Mulled Wine Base:

• 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• ¼ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup brandy
• ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg

For the Spritz:

• ½ cup cooled mulled wine (per serving)
• ¼ cup sparkling wine or prosecco
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

• Red wine: I always go for a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Shiraz — it gives that perfect balance of fruitiness and spice.
• Cinnamon sticks: Don’t skip the sticks! Ground cinnamon won’t give the same depth or cozy aroma.
• Orange: Fresh slices infuse the wine with natural sweetness and a citrus lift — skip bottled juice for this.
• Brandy: A small splash adds warmth and richness that makes the drink feel extra festive.
• Sparkling wine: I usually use a dry prosecco — it keeps the spritz light and crisp without overpowering the mulled flavor.
• Honey or sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference. Honey adds a smooth, mellow sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or pot: For simmering your mulled wine base — I love using a heavy-bottomed pot because it keeps the heat even and prevents burning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for gently stirring the spices and citrus as they infuse into the wine.
• Fine mesh strainer: Helps remove all the cloves and spices once your mulled wine is ready — no one wants to sip on a stray clove!
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep the balance of sweetness and spice just right.
• Pitcher or glass jar: Ideal for cooling and storing your diy mulled wine base before mixing into the spritz.
• Wine glasses or stemless tumblers: My personal favorite way to serve — they show off that beautiful ruby color and make it feel instantly festive.

Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the spices and fruit

• Rinse the orange and slice into rounds (reserve a few slices for garnish).
• Crack the cinnamon sticks lightly with the back of a knife so they release more flavor.
• Measure out the cloves, star anise, grated nutmeg, and honey/sugar so everything’s within reach.
• Tip: Laying everything out beforehand makes the whole process feel calm and holiday-ready.

Step 2 — Warm the wine and add aromatics

• Pour the bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot.
• Add the orange slices, cracked cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg.
• Turn the heat to medium-low and slowly warm the mixture — you want it steaming and very warm, not boiling.
• Pro Tip (important): Keep the heat low — bring the wine to just under a gentle simmer. Boiling drives off the alcohol and can make the spices taste bitter.

Step 3 — Sweeten and fortify

• Stir in the honey or sugar until dissolved.
• Add the brandy and give everything a gentle stir.
• Let the mixture sit on low heat for 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld. If you prefer a stronger spice note, gently simmer up to 40 minutes.
• Pro Tip (key): Taste midway. If the spice is too muted, let it infuse a little longer; if it’s too strong, remove some of the solids and dilute with a splash of more wine or water.

Step 4 — Strain and finish the mulled wine base

• Remove the pot from heat. Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mulled wine into a pitcher or glass jar, leaving the spices and fruit behind.
• Press gently on the solids with the back of a spoon if you want a little extra orange-scented liquid — but don’t overdo it or you’ll extract bitterness.
• Let the mulled wine cool slightly if you plan to use it for chilled spritzes, or keep it warm for a hot wine recipe served in mugs.
• Pro Tip: If storing, cool completely before refrigerating; the flavors often deepen overnight.

Step 5 — Chill the base (if making a cold spritz)

• If you’re turning this into a sparkling winter cocktail, chill the strained mulled wine in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• Keep the sparkling wine or prosecco chilled separately — it should be cold and fizzy when you mix the spritz.

Step 6 — Build the Mulled Wine Spritz (per serving)

• In a wine glass or stemless tumbler, add ½ cup cooled mulled wine (or warm if you prefer the hot wine route).
• Top with ¼ cup sparkling wine or prosecco.
• Add ice if you want an extra-cold spritz; otherwise serve straight up.
• Stir gently once to combine — you want to keep as much carbonation as possible.
• Pro Tip (assembly): Pour the sparkling wine slowly over the back of a spoon to preserve bubbles and create a prettier layer.

Step 7 — Garnish and serve

• Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick. For an extra festive touch, thread a few cranberries on a skewer or add a star anise to the glass.
• Serve immediately while the sparkling wine is lively (or serve warm in mugs if you kept the mulled wine hot).
• Final Tip: Remind guests that they can choose warm or chilled — both ways highlight different sides of this cosy drink.

Step 8 — Make-ahead + storage notes

• Mulled wine base keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days — reheat gently (don’t boil) for a hot serving, or chill fully for spritzes.
• Sparkling wine should be added right before serving; it won’t stay fizzy if mixed ahead.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep the heat gentle: Warm your wine slowly — never let it boil. This keeps the alcohol intact and prevents bitterness from the spices.
• Taste as you go: Spices intensify over time. Start mild, then adjust the flavor balance toward the end for your perfect blend.
• Choose quality wine: You don’t need something expensive, but a smooth, fruity red makes a huge difference in taste.
• Sweetness control: Start with less honey or sugar, then add more if needed — it’s easier to sweeten than to fix an overly sweet batch.
• Serve it your way: Enjoy it hot for a traditional cosy drink, or chilled with prosecco for a refreshing twist. Both versions are delicious.
• Make it ahead: The flavor deepens overnight. Just reheat gently or pour cold over ice when ready to serve.
• Garnish with care: Whole spices and a fresh orange slice make the presentation beautiful — plus they keep infusing subtle flavor as you sip.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Wine: Try cabernet sauvignon for a bolder flavor or pinot noir for something lighter and fruitier.
• Brandy: Swap with rum, bourbon, or orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) for a different depth of warmth.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace honey for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
• Citrus: Add lemon or grapefruit slices along with orange for a more complex citrus aroma.
• Spices: Mix it up with cardamom pods, allspice, or even a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.
• Non-alcoholic version: Use grape juice or cranberry juice in place of wine and skip the brandy — still festive, still delicious.
• Fizzy finish: Swap prosecco for sparkling rosé or ginger ale for a lighter, family-friendly spritz.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm in mugs by the fire: Nothing beats a steaming mug of mulled wine spritz on a cold night — it’s the ultimate cosy drink for wrapping up in a blanket.
• Chilled and bubbly for parties: I love pouring the chilled version into stemless wine glasses and topping with prosecco right before serving — it feels festive and elegant.
• Pair with holiday treats: This drink pairs beautifully with gingerbread cookies, mince pies, or even a slice of fruitcake. The spices complement each other perfectly.
• Add a garnish bar: Set out cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices so guests can customize their own glasses — it’s a simple way to make serving interactive.
• Serve as a welcome drink: I love greeting guests with this sparkling twist on Christmas mulled wine — it instantly sets a warm, celebratory tone for any gathering.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate the base: Store leftover mulled wine (without prosecco) in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stove over low heat until just steaming — don’t boil or you’ll lose the alcohol and flavor.
• For spritzes: Always add the sparkling wine or prosecco right before serving so it stays bubbly and fresh.
• Freezing tip: You can freeze leftover mulled wine in ice cube trays — perfect for chilling future batches without diluting the flavor.
• Flavor note: The spices deepen after a day or two in the fridge, so the next-day batch often tastes even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the mulled wine base ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the base up to 3–4 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious when reheated or chilled for the spritz.

What’s the best wine to use for this recipe?

A medium-bodied red like Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel works beautifully. You want something fruity and smooth, not too heavy or tannic.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes! Simply swap the red wine for grape or cranberry juice and skip the brandy. You can still add all the spices and orange slices — it’ll taste festive and family-friendly.

How do I keep it warm for a party?

Use a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. It keeps the wine perfectly toasty without overheating or boiling off the alcohol.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely — this recipe scales easily. Just keep the ratios the same and use a large stockpot so the flavors have room to blend properly.

How long will it stay fizzy once mixed?

Once you add prosecco or sparkling wine, it’s best to serve immediately. The bubbles will fade after about 20 minutes, but the flavor stays delicious.

Did you try this mulled wine spritz recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out — and whether you loved it hot or sparkling and chilled!