Mulled Wine Tea Recipe – A Cozy Twist for Chilly Evenings!

My day had started with so much promise—a crisp autumn morning, the kind that whispers of cooler nights to come. But by mid-afternoon, everything seemed to unravel. A surprise work deadline loomed, my favorite scarf got caught in the door on my way out, and Tart, my ever-energetic dog, decided to chase after the neighbor’s cat (again). By the time I got home, I was more than ready to settle into something soothing.

Rather than reach for the usual, I found myself craving something warm, spicy, and comforting—something that felt indulgent but still familiar. That’s when the idea for Mulled Wine Tea came to mind.

Blending the cozy spices of mulled wine with the delicate richness of tea. It was just what I needed to warm both my hands and spirit after a long, unpredictable day. And now, I’m sharing this recipe with you.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Entertaining: Mulled wine tea is a great conversation starter and can easily be scaled up to serve guests at gatherings or holiday parties.
• A Healthier Indulgence: With black tea rich in antioxidants and red wine known for its heart-healthy properties, this recipe offers a treat that’s flavorful and has some wellness benefits.
• Seasonal Appeal: The warming spices and rich flavors make this a perfect drink for fall and winter, fitting right in with the cozy, festive atmosphere of the holidays.
• Aromatic Experience: The scent of simmering cinnamon and star anise fills your kitchen with a comforting, inviting aroma that enhances the whole experience of making and drinking it.
• A Twist on Traditional Mulled Wine: If you love classic mulled wine but want a lighter or less alcoholic option, this tea-based version offers a fresh and balanced alternative.
• Great for Relaxation: The calming effect of warm tea, combined with the mild wine content, makes this an ideal drink to unwind with after a long day.

Ingredients

When making Mulled Wine Tea, each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

For the tea base, black tea is ideal because of its strong, robust flavor that stands up well to the spices and wine. You can choose any black tea you like, but a plain, unflavored variety will allow the other ingredients to shine.

The red wine is where you can get creative. A fruity red like Merlot or Shiraz works best since its natural sweetness and boldness complement the spices. Avoid wines that are too dry or tannic, as they might overpower the warmth of the tea.

Lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the wine and tea. Freshly squeezed lemon is always preferable for the freshest flavor.

Sugar helps bring out the sweetness of both the tea and wine, and you can adjust the amount depending on your taste. If you like your tea less sweet, start with a small amount and add more as needed.

The spices—star anise and cinnamon—are the heart of this recipe. Star anise has a distinct, slightly sweet licorice flavor that gives the tea its signature spiced aroma, while the cinnamon stick provides warmth and depth. Be sure to use whole spices for the best infusion of flavor.

By choosing quality ingredients, you ensure that each sip of your mulled wine tea is perfectly balanced and comforting.

Ingredients for making 2 servings of Mulled Wine Tea:

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 cup red wine (your choice, a fruity red works well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick

How To Make a Mulled Wine Tea

Instructions for making 2 servings of Mulled Wine Tea:

1. Boil the water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
2. Brew the tea: Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat and add the two black tea bags. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
3. Add wine and spices: After steeping, remove the tea bags and place the pan back on low heat. Pour in 1 cup of red wine, add 1 star anise, and a cinnamon stick.
4. Sweeten and add lemon: Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar (or adjust to your preferred sweetness) and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
5. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, letting the spices infuse and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick, then pour the mulled wine tea into your favorite glasses or mugs.

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Add Fresh Fruit: Toss in slices of orange or apple while simmering to enhance the fruity, mulled flavor.
• Chill for a Cold Version: Let the mixture cool, then serve it over ice with a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing twist in warmer weather.
• Use Port Wine: Try using a sweet, rich port wine for a deeper, dessert-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Vanilla Bean Boost: Add half a vanilla bean during simmering for a creamy, fragrant twist that mellows out the stronger spice notes.
• Create a Frothy Top: Froth a little milk or a milk alternative, and add it on top of the mulled wine tea for a latte-style version with a creamy finish.