Instant Pot Mulled Wine

Instant Pot Mulled Wine is the coziest holiday drink! Also known as glühwein, this recipe is simple to make in the Instant Pot, but can also be made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. Perfectly spiced and ideal for holiday gatherings!

about this instant pot mulled wine

Mulled wine is one of those cocktails that screams holiday to me. Every time I sip it, I am instantly transported to holiday markets with holiday music, twinkling lights, the smell of cinnamon roasted almonds, and holiday cheer.

The scent that fills your home when you make instant pot mulled wine is unbelievably comforting and festive. The warming spices with red wine makes you feel like you are in the middle of a holiday movie without even having to light a candle or bake cookies from scratch.

I have listed the combination of mulling spices I like to use in the recipe below, but you can also use mulling spices from a local spice shop if you prefer!

You can definitely cook this mulled wine in a slow cooker or on the stove top for hours, but I love that this recipe only has 1 minute of pressure cooking time on High pressure. It’s the best option to whip up for last-minute company or for a party so you can put more effort into enjoying the festivities!

ingredients

red wine. I recommend using a full bodied red wine. I used a Shiraz, but you can also use a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec.

brandy. if you aren’t familiar, brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine, making it a great pairing for this recipe! I suggest using a mid-range option. Since it’s being mixed, you don’t need to break the bank!

apple. any kind of apple will do! I use honey crisp or gala usually.

whole spices. you will need a combination of star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns.

honey. use your favorite brand of honey! You can also use agave, if you prefer.

orange peel. a piece of fresh orange peel is best.

this recipe’s must haves

All you need to make this recipe is an Instant Pot. I recently got an Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid and I am OBSESSED. You get the air fryer and the pressure cooker all in one, without switching out lids! Any Instant Pot model will work with this recipe though!

You will also need a chef’s knife and a cutting board to prep the ingredients for the recipe.

here’s how to make instant pot mulled wine

pressure cooker

Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot insert. Cook on High pressure for 1 minute.

Release pressure manually (quick release) as soon as the timer foes off.

serve

Strain the mulled wine with a fine mesh strainer before serving. You can also serve the wine with the apples and whole spices if you prefer!

Serve with orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, as desired.

tips for success

not sure how much to make? I typically plan on this recipe serving 5 cups of mulled wine. I usually account for 2 cups per person if I am hosting, so you can scale the recipe as you see fit!

use whole spices. Using ground spices results in a cloudy wine and they really can’t be strained out. Whole spices are easy to pick out and impart a lot more flavor as it cooks!

sweeten it up. If you like a sweeter mulled wine, add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider after tasting the cooked mulled wine. You can also add in brown sugar simple syrup (about 1/4 cup), if preferred, to the hot wine for added sweetness.

More tasty warm cocktails to warm up with: Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate | Hot Spiced Ale Flip | Boozy Zebra Hot Chocolate | Hot Hazelnut Rum Cocktail

does mulling wine cook off the alcohol?

Mulling wine does cook off a small amount of the alcohol, but not much! About 85% of the alcohol will survive the heating process.

can I make this recipe on the stove?

Yes! This recipe can easily be made on the stove if you are using our Instant Pot for another recipe or just don’t have an Instant Pot! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes and up to 3 hours. Strain before serving.

can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Slow cooker is a great option for this recipe! You can even use the Instant Pot as a slow cooker if you prefer. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Keep warm throughout the evening!

how far in advance can I make instant pot mulled wine??

This mulled wine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with instant pot mulled wine

Instant Pot mulled wine is a delicious drink that pairs with pretty much anything that’s seasonal in the winter! The warming spices combined with warm wine makes this the perfect cocktail for a holiday party, a dinner party, or a cozy holiday movie night at home with your family and friends.

I like to pair mulled wine as the opener to a party or dinner with my favorite appetizers. Bite-sized baked bacon brie pockets are a great handheld option, as are BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp!

For dinner, this herb crusted rack of lamb with red wine sauce is always a winner and it’s insanely easy to make. Another option for a less gamey meat is cranberry rosemary walnut stuffed sheet pan pork tenderloin meal (yes, it’s a long title, but it’s an easy recipe, haha!).

You can also just serve it alongside chai snickerdoodle cookies or christmas shortbread cookies!

how to store and reheat

Store. Store any leftover mulled wine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days.

Reheat. Add desired amount to a saucepan and reheat over low heat until warmed through.

Finally, if you make this instant pot mulled wine recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!