As the temperatures start to dip and the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to warm up than with a cozy glass of cherry mulled wine. This delightful twist on the classic mulled wine combines the rich flavors of red wine with sweet, juicy cherries and a medley of warming spices. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it by the fire, this easy recipe for cherry mulled wine is perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving cocktails to festive holiday cocktails. This versatile drink makes the ideal fall cocktail to pair with a fall charcuterie board.. For even more festive ideas, check out my article on how to make the best fall charcuterie board to pair with your drinks.

The deep cherry flavor infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel adds a fruity richness to the wine, making it a one of my favorite autumn cocktails the colder months. This mulled cherry wine recipe is simple to make, yet it delivers a stunning flavor that’s sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into how to make this cherry mulled wine and elevate your seasonal celebrations.

What is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is a traditional warm beverage made by simmering wine with spices, fruits, and sometimes sweeteners. It dates back to Roman times when wine was heated and flavored to help preserve it and make it more enjoyable during the colder months. Over time, it became a popular drink across Europe, especially during the winter season and holiday celebrations.

The classic spices used in mulled wine include cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which add warmth and depth to the drink. In this cherry mulled wine recipe, we add a twist by including cherries, which bring a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich spices. Today, mulled wine is a staple at winter markets, holiday parties, and cozy gatherings worldwide.

How to Make Cherry Mulled Wine

Making cherry mulled wine is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Start with a good-quality red wine, cherries (either fresh, frozen, or juice), and a blend of spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. Combine the wine and cherries in a pot, add your spices, and let everything simmer gently on the stovetop. This process infuses the wine with the sweet cherry flavor and warming spices, creating a deliciously fragrant drink that’s perfect for the colder months.

Once it’s simmered for 20-30 minutes, strain out the spices and fruit, and ladle the mulled wine into heat resistant glasses or mugs. Garnish with a how to make the best fall charcuterie board or a slice of orange for an extra festive touch. It’s a quick and easy recipe for cherry mulled wine that will have your home smelling like the holidays in no time!

Should I Make Cherry Mulled Wine the Night Before?

Making cherry mulled wine the night before is a great option if you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply want to save time. When made in advance, the wine has extra time to develop deeper flavors as the cherries and spices continue to infuse overnight. After simmering, allow the mulled wine to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Be mindful, though, not to reheat the wine too quickly or to a boiling point, as it may lose some of its flavor and alcohol content. By preparing mulled cherry wine the night before, you’ll have a flavorful, ready-to-serve drink that will impress your guests.

What is the Best Wine for Making Cherry Mulled Wine?

The key to making delicious cherry mulled wine is selecting the right type of red wine. Opt for a fruity, full-bodied red wine that pairs well with the cherries and spices. Varieties such as Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon are ideal choices, as they offer rich, dark fruit flavors that complement the sweetness of the cherries.

Avoid using wines that are overly tannic or dry, as these may clash with the warm spices and cherries. Instead, choose a wine that you enjoy drinking on its own, as the quality of the wine will greatly impact the final flavor of your mulled cherry wine.

What are the Best Cherries for Making Cherry Mulled Wine?

When making cherry mulled wine, you can use either fresh, frozen, or cherry juice depending on what’s available. If cherries are in season, fresh cherries provide the most natural and intense flavor. However, frozen cherries work just as well and can be found year-round, making them a convenient option. Dark sweet cherries, such as Bing cherries, are the best choice, as they bring a deep, rich flavor to the wine.

If you prefer, you can also use cherry juice as a substitute or addition to the recipe. This will enhance the cherry flavor even further while adding a bit of sweetness to the mulled wine. Just make sure to choose pure cherry juice without added sugars or artificial flavors for the best results.

Tips for Making the Best Cherry Mulled Wine

• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the wine, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate and may alter the taste. Keep the heat low and allow the wine to simmer gently for the best flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter mulled wine, feel free to add more honey or brown sugar to taste. For a less sweet version, skip the sugar altogether.
• Use high-quality spices: Fresh cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise will provide the most aromatic and rich flavor, so be sure to use good-quality spices.

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Cherry Mulled Wine Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

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Ingredients

• Ingredients:
• 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (or 1 cup cherry juice)
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 star anise (optional)
• Garnish: cinnamon sticks, star anise, cherries
• Brown sugar and cinnamon for rimming

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the red wine, cherries (or cherry juice), cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
Add honey or brown sugar for sweetness, if desired, and stir until well combined.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, making sure it doesn’t boil. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing the spices and cherries to infuse the wine.
If using, stir in the brandy toward the end of the simmering process.
Remove from heat and strain out the spices and fruit.
Rim your heatproof glasses with brown sugar. 
Serve the cherry mulled wine garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise and cherries.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Carbohydrates: 15gSugar: 12g

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