Best Winter Mulled Wine with Madeira and Maple Syrup

There is nothing better than coming in from cold winter days and warming up with a cozy mug of mulled wine. This Winter Mulled Wine, Made with Madeira and Maple Syrup, fills your kitchen with the best holiday aromas while delivering a smooth, gently spiced sip that feels like a hug in a glass.

It is easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and tastes even better than the versions you find at winter Christmas markets. We chose Madeira wine for this recipe because its rich, nutty sweetness adds depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the spices and citrus. 

You simply add the ingredients to a pot, let the spices work their magic, and serve with your favourite garnishes. It is the kind of recipe you will want to make all season long.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Incredible aroma: The warm spices and citrus make your whole home smell like the holidays.
• Balanced sweetness: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that tastes rich and comforting.
• Easy entertaining: This recipe scales well and is ideal for parties and family gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it earlier in the day and gently rewarm before serving.
• Flexible flavours: Adjust the spices to make it bolder, sweeter or more citrusy.

Winter Solstice Traditions

The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, and for centuries, people have celebrated it with warm, comforting drinks. Mulled wine became a favourite during these gatherings because the heated spices, citrus and wine brought warmth to long, cold nights. Today, that tradition continues, making mulled wine a perfect way to welcome winter and bring everyone together.

Ingredients

• Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or a blend)
• Madeira wine
• Pure pressed apple juice
• Maple syrup (preferably Canadian Amber)
• Orange
• Cinnamon sticks
• Black peppercorns
• Whole cloves
• Whole star anise

Garnishes

• Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, rosemary sprigs

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

Simmer

Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Tip: Do not bring to a rolling boil. 

Once the wine begins to steam, lower the heat to the gentlest simmer. Let the mixture simmer for 30 to 45 minutes so the spices fully infuse the wine.

Serve and Garnish

Strain into mugs, heatproof glasses or thick-walled wine glasses.

Garnish with orange, cinnamon stick, star anise, cranberries or rosemary for instant aroma.

Best way to serve mulled wine: Serve with cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda or blue, plus charcuterie and dried fruit. Pair with seasonal desserts such as gingerbread or Christmas Carrot Cake.

Enjoy this Mulled Wine responsibly. This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age.

Tips & Substitutions

Tips

• Warm the wine gently. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth and the alcohol from evaporating too quickly.
• Keep the citrus peel on. It adds flavour without making the drink bitter.
• If serving outdoors, keep the pot on very low heat to maintain temperature.
• For a deeper spice note, lightly crack the cinnamon sticks before adding them to the pot.

Substitutions

• Red wine: Use Merlot or Zinfandel if you prefer a fruitier finish.
• Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar works well.
• Apple juice: Try pear juice for a softer sweetness.
• Madeira wine: Use port for a richer, sweeter mulled wine.

FAQ

📖 Recipe

Best Winter Mulled Wine with Madeira and Maple Syrup

There is nothing better than coming in from cold winter days and warming up with a cozy mug of mulled wine. This Winter Mulled Wine, Made with Madeira and Maple Syrup, fills your kitchen with the best holiday aromas while delivering a smooth, gently spiced sip that feels like a hug in a glass. It is easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and tastes even better than the versions you find at winter Christmas markets. We chose Madeira wine for this recipe because its rich, nutty sweetness adds depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the spices and citrus.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine European

Servings 8 1-10

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ bottles red wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or a blend
• 1 ½ cups Madeira wine
• 1 cup pure pressed apple juice
• ½ cup maple syrup preferably Canadian Amber
• 1 orange sliced with the peel on
• 4 cinnamon sticks plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 6 whole star anise
• Garnishes: Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, rosemary sprigs

Instructions

 

Simmer

• Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Tip: Do not bring to a rolling boil.

  Once the wine begins to steam, lower the heat to the gentlest simmer.

  Let the mixture simmer for 30 to 45 minutes so the spices fully infuse the wine.

Serve and Garnish

• Strain into mugs, heatproof glasses or thick-walled wine glasses.
• Garnish with orange, cinnamon stick, star anise, cranberries or rosemary for instant aroma.
• Best way to serve mulled wine: Serve with cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda or blue, plus charcuterie and dried fruit. Pair with seasonal desserts such as gingerbread or Christmas Carrot Cake.
• Enjoy this Mulled Wine responsibly. This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age.

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• Please take a moment to rate and review this recipe below. Your thoughts help others, and it would really make our day! Thank you - James & Elaine!

Keyword festive mulled wine, mulled wine fruit, mulled wine maple syrup, winter solstice mulled wine

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