If you’ve been craving the cozy, festive flavors of mulled wine without the alcohol, this Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, paired perfectly with bright, zesty oranges and a sweet, tart cran-grape juice base. Every sip is like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on a chilly evening, making it the perfect drink for all your holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy by the fire. Trust me, once you try this vibrant, comforting mulled wine alternative, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe season after season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the fruity tang of oranges to the aromatic warmth of whole spices. These are pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a warming, delicious drink everyone will love.
- 2 large oranges (divided): Fresh oranges provide that bright citrus punch that balances the deep, rich notes of the spices.
- 64 ounces cran-grape juice: This blend adds a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, acting as a lovely, fruity base for the mulled wine.
- 6 whole cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon gives the drink a warm, spiced backbone that’s essential to that classic mulled wine aroma.
- 4 whole star anise: These add a subtle licorice-like flavor which elevates the complexity and depth of the drink.
- 8 whole cloves: Cloves bring a slight, spicy kick that complements cinnamon and star anise perfectly.
How to Make Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oranges
Start by slicing one orange into thin wheels—these will add a beautiful visual touch and infuse subtle citrus notes as the drink simmers. Juice the other orange and set the juice aside; this fresh juice will be stirred in at the very end to keep that bright, fresh flavor intact.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Place the orange slices, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and the cran-grape juice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat to let everything simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the spices to release their oils and aromas, creating a rich, inviting base.
Step 3: Strain and Final Stir
Once the mixture has simmered, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the whole spices and orange slices. Return the strained juice to the pan and stir in the reserved fresh orange juice. This step brightens the flavors, giving the mulled wine a lively, fresh finish. Serve it warm and prepare for the compliments!
How to Serve Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe
Garnishes
To really impress your guests, garnish each cup with a fresh orange wheel or a twist of orange peel. Adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod on top not only looks charming but also gently intensifies the aroma with every sip.
Side Dishes
This Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe pairs beautifully with cozy snacks. Think gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and dried fruits. The sweet, spiced notes complement these flavors perfectly, making your gathering feel especially warm and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your mulled wine in clear mugs or heatproof glasses so the gorgeous ruby-red color shines through. You can also pour it into a festive punch bowl with floating orange slices and spices for a stunning buffet or party centerpiece that invites everyone to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer the mulled wine to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The spiced flavors actually deepen as it chills, so it tastes fantastic the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this mulled wine isn’t recommended, as the texture and flavors can be impacted negatively. Instead, focus on keeping it refrigerated and reheating gently as needed.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another cup, reheat the mulled wine slowly on the stove over low heat until just warm. Avoid boiling since that can dull the bright citrus notes and throw off the delicate balance of spices.
FAQs
Can I use regular grape juice instead of cran-grape juice?
Absolutely! Regular grape juice will work, but the cran-grape blend adds a nice tartness that brightens the overall flavor, making the mulled wine even more delicious.
How long can I keep the mulled wine after making it?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to heat it gently when serving again.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! If you love a bit of heat, add a small slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground black pepper while simmering for an extra kick.
Is it okay to omit the cloves or star anise?
You can skip either of these spices if you’re not a fan, but they add such classic depth that I recommend trying them at least once to experience that full mulled wine profile.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. This method is perfect for hands-off entertaining and keeps your kitchen free from constant stirring.
Final Thoughts
This Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe is a true jewel in the world of cozy, holiday drinks. It brings all the warmth, spiced aromas, and festive vibes of traditional mulled wine without the alcohol, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply seeking comfort on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to become your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family—there’s just something magical about this drink that feels like a hug in a mug!
Print
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A cozy, warming non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe that combines cran-grape juice with aromatic spices and fresh oranges for a festive, flavorful drink perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 large oranges (divided: 1 for thin slices, 1 for juicing)
Beverage
- 64 ounces cran-grape juice
Spices
- 6 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise
- 8 whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Oranges: Slice one orange into thin wheels for garnish and infusion. Juice the second orange and set aside the juice for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add the orange slices, cran-grape juice, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- Simmer Spices: Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Strain Mulled Juice: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain out all the spices and orange slices, returning the smooth juice back to the pan.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the reserved fresh orange juice for brightness. Serve the mulled drink warm, garnished with additional orange slices and whole spices if desired for visual appeal and extra aroma.
Notes
- Simmering the spices longer intensifies the flavor; do not boil vigorously to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh oranges for the best citrus aroma and taste.
- This recipe serves 8 and is perfect for warm, alcohol-free holiday gatherings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
