Mulled White Wine (lightly sweetened with honey)

ByKristen Stevens

This white mulled wine is made with white wine, honey, orange, and warming spices for a light, fragrant twist on the classic. It's cozy, aromatic, and easy to make.

Two clear mugs of orange-hued drink garnished with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, with an orange, pot, and ladle in the background. Save

This white mulled wine is a lighter, more fragrant twist on the classic, with a clean, crisp base that lets the spices really shine. It's gently warmed with honey, orange, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, and peppercorns, creating a drink that's aromatic, lightly sweet, and wonderfully cozy.

I love how the white wine keeps everything feeling bright while the spices add layers of warmth and depth. The orange brings a fresh citrus lift, and the honey smooths everything out without making it too sweet.

It's easy to make and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma as it warms. I'll sometimes add a splash of brandy for a little extra richness, but it's just as lovely on its own-simple, elegant, and perfect for slow, cozy evenings.

Two clear mugs of orange-hued drink garnished with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, with an orange, pot, and ladle in the background. Save
Kristen Stevens

Mulled White Wine (lightly sweetened with honey)

A white mulled wine made with white wine, honey, orange, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, and peppercorns. Warm, fragrant, and gently spiced.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle medium-bodied white wine
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brandy optional
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: whole cloves and whole peppercorns
  • 1 naval orange sliced
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 4 5-inch cinnamon sticks plus more to garnish

Method
 

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium-sized pot.
    1 bottle medium-bodied white wine, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup brandy, ½ teaspoon EACH: whole cloves and whole peppercorns, 1 naval orange, 4 whole star anise, 4 5-inch cinnamon sticks, 4 slices fresh ginger
    A white pot filled with sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves floating in liquid on a marble surface. Save
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and very gently simmer for 20 minutes.
    Four orange slices float in a pot of simmering liquid with visible spices, likely being prepared for a beverage or culinary use. Save
  3. To serve, strain the mulled white wine into mugs and, if you'd like, garnish with a cinnamon stick. NOTE: You can keep the mulled wine warm on the element on the very lowest setting for up to 3 hours.
    A glass mug filled with a warm orange-colored beverage, garnished with orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise on a white surface. Save

Notes

Mulled white wine works best with medium-bodied white wines. A few to try are:
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Gris/Grigio
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Viognier
  • Pinot Blanc
A clear glass mug of orange-colored drink garnished with star anise and a cinnamon stick sits on a white plate next to an orange and a white pot. Save
Two glass mugs of orange-hued punch garnished with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks, next to a whole orange and star anise on a white plate. Save

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