If you’re looking for a cozy, warming drink to serve this holiday season—or a simple, budget-friendly DIY gift—this Mulled Wine (or Mulled Cranberry Juice!) is exactly what you need.
Made with just 3 simple ingredients, it fills your home with the most incredible aroma and makes any gathering feel instantly festive. Plus, I’m sharing both an alcoholic AND a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy.
December can feel overwhelming— especially for those of us navigating stress, hormonal shifts, or simply trying to keep up with the season’s demands. The pressure to host, entertain, stay on budget, and still show up for everyone can leave us feeling depleted before the holidays even arrive.
That’s why I love recipes like this one: simple, cozy, and rooted in nourishment rather than overwhelm.
Each year I run my FREE 25-Day Self-Care Advent Challenge Event, one tiny act of care a day to reduce stress and help women feel grounded again. Simple recipes like this mulled wine are part of that bigger mission: less stress, more presence, and a little extra warmth in the kitchen.
Make It a Simple, Heartfelt Gift
The organic mulling spice blend makes a beautiful, budget-friendly DIY gift. Package it in small jars with a ribbon and a tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that says “cozy holiday vibes” without any overwhelm or overspending.
This makes a wonderful gift for the host, the neighbour, the teacher, the wine lover, or anyone who appreciates a warm, cozy drink on a cold winter night.
Bonus: When you simmer this on your stove, your entire house smells absolutely amazing. It’s like a natural holiday air freshener!
Why You’ll Love This Mulled Wine (or Mulled Cranberry Juice!)
Made with just 3 simple ingredients
Ready in 20-30 minutes
Alcohol-free option using cranberry juice, apple juice, or zero-alcohol wine
Organic mulling spices with warming cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves
Makes your house smell incredible
Perfect for holiday entertaining
Mulling spice blend makes a beautiful DIY gift
Simple enough for even the most exhausted December brain
Mulled Wine & Mulled Cranberry Juice
A cozy, warming holiday drink made with organic mulling spices and fresh orange. Make it with red wine for a classic mulled wine, or use cranberry juice, apple cider, or zero-alcohol wine for a delicious non-alcoholic version the whole family can enjoy.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or dutch oven
- mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- 1 ladle
- mugs or heat=safe glass for serve/gifting
Ingredients
- 750 ml Red wine, zero-alcohol wine, cranberry juice, OR apple juice/cider
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds fresh or dried
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1 tsp all spice
- 2 tsp clove
- 2 stars of anise
Instructions
- Add your wine or juice of choice to a large pot over medium-low heat.Add the orange slices and mulling spice blend.Heat gently until steaming but NOT boiling (boiling will cook off the alcohol and make the drink bitter). Keep at a low simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange pieces.Ladle into mugs or heat-safe glasses and serve warm.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
Alcohol-Free Options
This recipe works beautifully with: Cranberry juice — tart and festive, perfect for the holidaysApple juice or apple cider — classic mulled cider flavour
Zero-alcohol wine — for that wine experience without the booze
Pomegranate juice — rich and antioxidant-packed
Grape juice — a kid-friendly option Simply swap 1:1 for the wine and follow the same instructions!
About the Organic Mulling Spice Blend
The mulling spice blend includes cinnamon bark, ginger, allspice, and cloves — a wonderfully fragrant and warming combination of traditional spices. This aromatic mix releases deep, inviting aromas when heated, creating that cozy holiday atmosphere we all crave.More Ways to Use Mulling Spices
Holiday syrups — simmer with simple syrup for cocktails or coffeeSpecialty cocktails — infuse into bourbon, rum, or vodka
Warm punches — add to any warm punch recipe
Baking — incorporate into muffins, cakes, or cookies for a seasonal twist
Stovetop potpourri — simmer in water to make your house smell amazing
Bonus: Your House Will Smell Incredible
One of the best parts of making mulled wine? Your entire home fills with the most amazing warm, spicy, cozy aroma. Leave it simmering on the stove while guests arrive and everyone will feel instantly welcomed. It's basically a natural holiday air freshener!Storage
Mulled wine or juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove (don't boil!) before serving.Gifting Tips.
Package the mulling spice blend in small jars for a beautiful DIY gift:- Use small glass jars so the spices show through
- Add a ribbon, twine, or festive fabric topper
- Include a small card with this recipe
- Pair with a bottle of wine, cranberry juice, or apple cider for a complete gift set
The Bottles + FREE Printable Labels
Don’t want to make the mulling spice blend yourself? I’ve got you covered! You can purchase the Organic Mulling Spice Blend from OM Organics — use my link and code “REJOICE” to save $10.00 off your order:
SHOP OM ORGANICS for their Mulling Spice Blend/ Spices
If you want to gift some, here are the bottles I used:
AMAZON GIFTING BOTTLES
Or keep it even more budget-friendly by reusing clean small jars you already have at home.
