The Magical Flavors Of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a comforting, nostalgic, warming spiced drink that's an Irish favorite at Christmas time. Chilly, wet weather inspires the need to sip mulled wine during Irish winter days.

It's a favorite drink all over Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it's served at holiday gatherings and parties.

I got married in Ireland over twenty-five years ago, early in the cold month of January. Instead of hosting a customary sherry reception, we warmed the cockles of our guests' hearts with a choice of mulled wine or hot whiskey. Trays of steaming glasses greeted them as they arrived at the hotel where we were celebrating our wedding.

Ever since I enjoy a little hot wine every now and then, and especially on my wedding anniversary.

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The Many Names For Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is the name we use in Ireland or England for this festive drink. However, it's a popular tipple all over Europe, so as you can imagine, there are many names for this hot wine.

In Germany it's called glühwein. In France it's vin chaud, and in Spain it's known as vino caliente.

Other names include glögg, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, candola, vinho quente… I could go on and on.

Just like in Ireland a little hot wine is loved all over the world. And ever since I arrived in America, I've introduced this warm, steaming wine to many friends.

Using A Pressure Cooker For Mulled Wine

Come the festive season, I love to mix up a spiced and warming glass of mulled wine. Recently I discovered an easy and fast way to create delicious mulled wine.

The traditional way of making mulled wine takes some simmering time to allow the flavors to meld, but something special happens in a pressure cooker or instant pot that takes this beverage to a whole new level of festive goodness.

All it takes is one minute, to heat up this wine and create a warming brew. No waiting for simmering pots, just a quick steam in the pressure pot.

Here's my modern day recipe for mulled wine.

Ingredients for Mulled Wine

Here's what you'll need. You'll find the printable recipe with exact amounts at the end of the post.

• red wine of choice (cabarnet, or merlot work great, but I prefer a shiraz or malbec)
• brandy
• apple
• orange
• lemon
• cinnamon stick
• star anise
• brown sugar

Star anise and cinnamon sticks are my spices of choice for this mulled wine. Dry ground spices interfere with the texture of the drink, so I prefer to use these whole spices. You can choose the mulling spices of your choice including cinnamon, allspice, whole cloves, nutmeg, cardamom pods, black peppercorns or ginger.

Other additions and substitutions include cranberries, apple cider, or orange juice.

Directions for Express Mulled Wine

Here's how to make this easy, speedy mulled wine which is done in a jiffy.

Of course, you need a pressure cooker. Instant Pot is the most popular brand, but you can use any pressure cooker you choose.

First prepare the fruit by slicing the apple, the orange and the lemon. Do leave the lemon peel and orange peel intact on each slice. They add flavor to the mixture.

Pour the red wine into the pressure cooker and add all of the other ingredients.

Stir to combine.

Close the lid and valve on the pressure cooker and set on high for just one minute.

While the wine is heating and coming to a boil while pressure cooking, heat your serving glasses. Add hot water to each glass and then discard the hot water. Warmed glasses make mulled wine extra delicious.

Release the steam naturally and then open the valve and lid. Stir again.

Orange slices and lemon slices will float to the top of the pot. The heavier apple slices will be at the bottom.

Use a soup ladle to fill each individual serving glass.

I don't strain this mulled wine since I add some of the fruits to each glass.

If you prefer you can strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve, and then choose which pieces of fruit and spices to use as garnishes.

If you'd prefer your mulled wine to be sweeter you can peel the orange and lemon and add them in segments. I prefer sliced citrus with the peel on, since it looks lovely floating in a glass of hot mulled wine. 

You can also omit the brandy if you're not a fan of hard liquor, but I love the flavor a little brandy adds to this warming Christmas cocktail.

Recipe Card

Here's the printable recipe.

Remember to always take care when opening a pressure cooker.

I hope you enjoy this taste of Ireland. Enjoy a little mulled wine at Christmas time, or any time you need a warming, pick-me-up.

Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.

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Here's a graphic sized for adding to your Pinterest boards, if you'd like to bookmark this recipe.