Welcome to 5 O’Clock Somewhere, our series in which BA’s network of culinary all-stars share their favorite drinks—along with everything you need to serve them in style.
I mark the changing of the seasons with the foods I prepare. It’s not spring until I’ve made my first batch of rhubarb compote, not summer until I’m charring ears of sweet Long Island corn on the grill, not fall until a loaf of pumpkin bread emerges from my oven—and it’s certainly not winter until the season’s inaugural batch of mulled wine is simmering on my stove.
In my mind, there’s no better recipe for a cozy winter hang than mulled wine, some salty nibbles, and a movie or board game. The wine serves two purposes: It’s delicious, yes, but it also sets the mood by filling your whole home with the aroma of clove, anise, cinnamon, and orange peel. The recipe I’ve used for years is sort of a cross between mulled wine and hot cider and is best made with a fuller-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which can stand up to all the rich spices you throw in the pot along with it.
With the added cider, a full bottle of wine can yield somewhere between 8 and 12 servings, which is why I like to make this for company—but my mom and I will often brew a batch for the two of us when I’m home for the holidays and stash any extra in glass jars in the fridge for easy reheating.
Ready to make your own? Here’s everything you need for the coziest mulled-wine-fueled night in.
This heady mulled wine recipe is perfect for the holiday season—or any time you’re looking for something fragrant and cozy.
A decent bottle of wine
First things first: To make mulled wine, you’ll need—you guessed it—wine. Don’t go for your most prized, expensive bottle here, but do opt for something you’d be happy to drink on its own. I think a fuller-bodied red works best with all the extra ingredients you’ll be adding to your pot..
A ladle
The right sized ladle will help you or your guests easily serve perfect portions of wine straight from the stove. I like a six-ounce pour, but to each their own.
Whole spices
If you can’t remember the last time you replaced that stash of whole spices at the back of your pantry, chances are they’ve lost their potency and it’s time for a restock.
A large saucepan (or slow cooker)
When it comes to cooking vessels, you’ve got a couple options. Because my apartment is tiny and the living space is adjacent to the kitchen, I typically just set up a pot on my stove and let guests serve themselves when they need refills. But a slow cooker or Instant Pot is a great way to keep your wine warm if you want a more portable solution.
A nice set of mugs
Sure, you could drink your mulled wine out of the chipped novelty mug you use for your morning coffee. Or you could elevate the experience with something a bit more chic, like the glass cups below. The etched crystal is particularly festive, but I love a timeless minimalist design too.
Some nibbles to graze on
Lightly sweet, warmly spiced mulled wine is best paired with a selection of salty snacks. Go full-on cheese board, make your own snack mix, or set out bowls of assorted savory favorites like seasoned popcorn and crunchy cheese bites.
Bjornqorn Savory 12-Pack Mix
A cozy group activity
I love a good movie night, but if you’re looking for something more interactive to do while you sip your mulled wine, might I suggest a group game or jigsaw puzzle? Jackbox Games’ Party Packs are a favorite amongst my friends (you download the games to a gaming console or Steam account on your computer and then everyone can join via a web browser on their phone), but I’d never say no to a game of Scrabble. A luxe board that spins just adds to the fun. If you’re an avid puzzler, you can rent gorgeous, hand-cut wooden puzzles from Elms so that you can have a new design each month.
