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mulled wine spritz

Mulled Wine Spritz

This cocktail brings together the nostalgic comfort of a classic Christmas mulled wine with the light, bubbly charm of a spritz.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pitcher or glass jar
  • Wine glasses or stemless tumblers

Ingredients
  

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

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.

Notes

Nutritional Value (per serving):

  • Calories: ~180–220
  • Carbohydrates: ~18g
  • Sugars: ~15g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Sodium: ~5mg
  • Alcohol content varies depending on wine and serving size
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Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword cocktails, mulled wine spritz