Mulled Wine Tea Recipe

It is finally that time of year when we can start enjoying all of the things that we all love about Christmas. From cheeseboards to hot chocolate, this is the time of year when you can really start to indulge, which is one of the reasons why it is so widely anticipated. 

One of the biggest staples of Christmas is mulled wine, a deliciously warm drink enjoyed throughout Europe during the Christmas period. 

If you are someone who frequents Christmas markets, you likely indulge in a glass or two when you’re there, but why limit the enjoyment of mulled wine to just those specific festive shopping visits?? 

At Leaf, we think everyone should know how to make mulled wine at home, but we also understand that not everyone drinks alcohol. 

Read on to discover our delicious mulled wine tea recipe, along with the history of this truly festive drink.

The History of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine originates in ancient Rome, where winemakers would warm wine and enhance it with various spices as a method of preservation during the colder months. This practice improved the wine’s flavour and helped it last longer in the winter season. 

As the Roman Empire expanded, this practice spread across Europe, and every region had its own variation of the drink.

The Medicinal Use of Mulled Wine

During the Middle Ages, mulled wine emerged as a popular remedy for various illnesses. It was often made by blending wine with health-enhancing spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It would also often be sweetened with honey. 

This flavourful concoction became a favoured beverage at feasts and celebrations, not only for its warming qualities but also for its perceived health benefits.

As we now know, these ingredients can have a number of health benefits, such as helping with aches and pains and boosting your immune system, which is why they are so commonly used in teas.

Mulled Wine in The Victorian Era

Mulled wine became a major part of Christmas during the Victorian period, and it has remained a significant Christmas staple ever since. 

Mulled wine is strongly associated with Christmas traditions and is notably referenced in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” Since then, it has become an established and popular beverage during the holiday season, often enjoyed at festive gatherings and celebrations.

Though mulled wine is a staple, you may feel excluded from the culture surrounding the drink if you don’t drink or simply don’t like wine. Worry not. At Leaf, we believe that everyone should experience the delicious taste of mulled wine, which is why we have put together a delicious mulled wine tea recipe for all to enjoy.

Alcoholic Mulled Wine Tea Recipe

If you are an alcohol drinker looking for a delicious mulled tea recipe with a tasty twist, we have you covered. Here is our delicious alcoholic mulled tea recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (a fruity red like Merlot or Shiraz works well)
• 250ml (8½ fl oz) water
• 4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or Assam are great)
• 60ml (4 tbsp) brandy (optional for an extra kick)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
• 50g (2 oz) caster sugar (or honey, to taste)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• Small piece of fresh ginger (about 2cm, sliced)
• 1 whole nutmeg for grating (optional)
• A handful of fresh cranberries (optional for garnish)

Method:

1. Brew the tea:
   Bring the water to a simmer in a pan. Add the tea bags and steep for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and set the brewed tea aside.
2. Prepare the mulled wine base:
   Pour the wine into a large saucepan. Add the orange slices, lemon slices (if using), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, and sugar. Warm gently on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
3. Combine:
   Pour the brewed tea into the mulled wine mixture and stir well. Add the brandy if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
4. Serve:
   Strain the mixture into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, or a cinnamon stick.

Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine Tea Recipe

If you do not drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of mulled wine without it. Here is our delicious recipe for non-alcoholic mulled wine.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre (1¾ pints) water
• 4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or Assam work well)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
• 50g (2 oz) caster sugar (or honey, to taste)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice or 4 whole allspice berries
• Small piece of fresh ginger (about 2cm, sliced)
• A handful of fresh cranberries (optional for garnish)

Method:

1. Prepare the spiced infusion:
   In a large saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and ginger. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to let the spices infuse.
2. Brew the tea:
   Add the tea bags to the saucepan and simmer for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Once brewed, remove the tea bags.
3. Sweeten:
   Stir in the sugar or honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
4. Serve:
   Strain the tea into heatproof mugs or glasses, garnish with fresh cranberries or a cinnamon stick, and enjoy warm.

This recipe serves about 4–6 people. Perfect for cosy winter evenings on the run-up to Christmas.

Step into Christmas With Leaf

We hope that this blog has given you a bit more information about where mulled wine originated and some delicious recipes that you can try this Christmas. 

If you are looking for some more delicious teas to enjoy on the run-up to Christmas or if you are looking for a fantastic gift to give someone this year, take a look at our festive tea range.