This new take on Mulled Wine incorporates a medley of warm, spicy, fruity flavors with a hint of smokiness. Light up the grill and get your mugs ready because this warm cocktail is bursting with flavor.

THIS RECIPE IS SPONSORED BY HOME DEPOT & WEBER GRILLS

Mulled Wine wasn’t popular in my family, as a matter of fact, the first time I had it was in business school at my friend Neeraja’s holiday party, and my mind was blown.

At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around the overwhelming flavors of this spiked, hot wine punch. But I continued to sip, and with each steaming sip, I gained a sense of familiarity like holiday cookies and cakes. The cup warmed me as if I were sitting next to the fireplace. I enjoyed the feeling and the flavor it gave me, and ever since, it has become a Fall staple in my household.  

Undoubtedly, it’s the warm spices for me. Bring on the cinnamon, the cloves,  the allspice … anything with these spices immediately evokes happiness.

For my recipe, I also love the addition of citrus, apple cider, and fresh cranberries to brighten up the flavor and counter the additional bitterness from adding the rum and whisky. If you don’t want to add these liquors, you can just replace them with more wine.

Key Ingredients

• Red Wine: The heart of this cozy concoction provides the rich and robust base for mulled wine.
• Apple Cider: Adds a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor, perfectly complementing the wine.
• Spiced Dark Rum: Brings a warm and comforting spice kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Whiskey: Adds depth and complexity to the mulled wine, making it even more soulful.
• Honey: Sweetens the drink naturally and balances out the spices and alcohol.
• Cinnamon Sticks: The ultimate soulful ingredient, infusing the mulled wine with warm and comforting spice notes.
• Star Anise Pods: Bring a touch of licorice-like flavor and a delightful aroma to the mix.
• Whole Cloves: Offer a warm and aromatic essence, making the mulled wine oh-so-inviting.
• Whole Allspice: Introduces a unique blend of flavors, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Oranges (sliced thin & divided): Provide a burst of citrusy brightness, bringing a refreshing twist to the mulled wine.
• Vanilla Bean (split): The secret to adding that velvety and aromatic undertone to the whole experience.

Garnish

• Sugared Cranberries: Adds a touch of festive flair and sweetness to the presentation.
• Cinnamon Stick: A stylish addition, doubling as a garnish and infuser, enhancing the mulled wine’s aroma as it’s stirred.
• Star Anise Pods: Serve as an elegant finishing touch, contributing to the overall appeal.
• Apple or Cherry Smoking Chips: For the pièce de résistance, adding that enchanting smoky flavor that takes this mulled wine to the next level.

What is Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a beverage usually made with red wine and various mulling spices, and sometimes raisins. It is served hot or warm and is alcoholic, although there are non-alcoholic versions of it. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

How to make Smoked Mulled Wine?

The recipe for Smoked Mulled wine is actually quite easy; all you have to do is follow a few key steps:

1. Soak your wood chips
2. Light up your charcoal on one side of the grill. My Weber Mastertouch Grill has char baskets for my coals so that I can create heating zones.
3. Let the fire die down the coals turn grey. Then add the drained wood chips over the top.
4. Add all the ingredients to your pot, stir, and then place it adjacent to the heat for 30 minutes.
5. Serve warm and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and stars of anise.

What are the best wines for Mulled Wine?

The best red wine to use for Mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel,or Garnacha.

The Best Wood Chips For Smoked Mulled Wine

I recommend choosing wood chips that won’t overpower. So stay away from Hickory, Oak, or Mesquite. Instead, lean toward the milder, fruitier versions like Apple and Cherry.  

My Web MasterTouch Grill has a flexible 2-prong cooking grate system that allows me to lift and adjust the grates as needed. That way, I can easily add my wood chips to the heat right before the pot of wine ingredients goes on the grill. 

How long to smoke the wine?

For me and Kenneth, a glass of Smoked Mulled Wine on our patio while enjoying the cool Fall breeze is the perfect way to end our day together. But in the same vein, this recipe is super festive, so it would also serve as the perfect spiked punch when entertaining friends. Regardless of what occasion, you don’t want to let this Fall or Winter go by without trying this recipe. 

Once your pot goes on the grill, it only takes 30 minutes under the lid before you have delicious Smoked Mulled Wine. Just before you remove the pot from the grill, you can also add sliced oranges directly on the grate for just a few minutes to add some additional char and smoky flavor to your drink when you garnish.

The Secret To Smoked Mulled Wine

The secret to smoked mulled wine is that there is no secret. The recipe is actually quite easy, all you have to do is follow a few key steps:

1. Soak your wood chips for 30 minutes.
2. Light up your charcoal on one side of the grill. My Weber Mastertouch Grill has char baskets for my coals so that I can create heating zones. 
3. Let the fire die down the coals turn grey. Then add the drained wood chips over the top. 
4. Add all the ingredients to your pot and stir, then place it adjacent to the heat but not over the heat for 30 minutes.
5. Serve warm and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and a star of anise.

How to make mulled wine in a slow-cooker?

It doesn’t get any easier than adding a few bottles of wine, some brandy, maple syrup, whole spices, and orange peel to a slow cooker and heating until warm. There’s no need to stand behind the bar shaking up individual cocktails when, with the help of a slow cooker and a ladle, guests can serve themselves while they mingle.

More Warm Winter Cocktails

• Hot Apple Buttered Rum
• Red Wine Hot Chocolate
• Hot Zaddy
• Homemade Spiced Hazelnut Hot Chocolate