Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

For your next holiday party, serve up something different – Slow Cooker Mulled Wine – instead of sparkling wine or mixed drinks.

I’ve enjoyed this drink as Gluehwein or Gluhwein while I was in Germany at their outdoor winter holiday markets where it’s sold in little ceramic mugs.

It’s just the thing for enjoying on a cold winter night or after Christmas caroling.

This easy mulled wine recipe for the slow cooker is ideal for parties since you can “fix it and forget it.”

It’s also a super a convenient holiday party drink. That’s because crock-pot mulled wine can easily be kept warm in your slow cooker and guests can help themselves.

How to make mulled wine

Bring slow cooker spiced wine to a boil on your Crock-Pot’s hot setting. This has the advantage of burning off some of the alcohol so your guests won’t get too toasty, if you know what I mean.

Once you get it up to temperature, most slow cookers have a warm setting that should keep this mulled wine recipe at just the perfect temperature for the rest of the night.

How much should I make for my party? Depending on the size of your slow cooker, I’d make a double batch. If you have leftovers, you can always reheat it and enjoy another time.

Mugs or glasses? Either are fine. But keep your punch glasses or mugs small!

Mulled spiced wine gets cold quickly, and isn’t as good at room temperature as it is toasty warm.

About the slow cooker mulled wine recipe ingredients

What type of wine? I recommend a full bodied cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel. Buy a bargain brand as you are adding spices, sweeteners, and even vinegar to the wine – and heating it. I wouldn’t do that to a very good, expensive brand of red wine.

Spices: I decided to put a special spin on this mulled wine recipe using a variety of non-traditional spices like star anise and allspice berries along with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. (Great way to use up all those extra spices in your cabinet!)

Sweeteners: I used sorghum syrup as the sweetener. But if you can’t find sorghum in your neck of the woods, you can use maple syrup or honey instead.

Depending on the red wine you use and how much you like balsamic vinegar, if you don’t think Slow Cooker Spiced Mulled Wine is sweet enough add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar. Delightful!

Vinegar: To make this slow cooker mulled wine recipe unique, I used balsamic vinegar as it adds depth to this holiday cocktail.

More party cocktail and mocktail ideas

● Slow Cooker Smoking Bishop

● S’mores Martini

● Peach Whiskey Cocktail

● Orange Blossom Mocktail

● Lemonade Sangria (mocktail)

Ingredients

Directions

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker set on high.

Cook for approximately 2-4 hours (depending on your slow cooker) until mulled wine is boiling.

Lower temperature to warm.

Serve in small mugs or glasses.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 4 Hours

Total Time: 4 Hours

Servings: Makes 7 1/2 cups

Originally published on December 24, 2013, December 1, 2016, and December 6, 2017. Updated with new pictures and information.