Easy Mary Berry Mulled Wine Recipe (Festive Warming Drink)

This Mary Berry mulled wine is a simple, warming festive drink, made by simmering red wine with citrus, cloves and cinnamon. It is perfect on a cold winter day, for bonfire night and for Christmas, and it fills the house with a wonderful spiced smell. It is easy to make in one large pan, and it is just as easy to keep warm for guests.

Why You Will Love Mary Berry Mulled Wine

This Mary Berry mulled wine is loved because it is simple and reliable. There is no fancy technique, just good red wine, fresh citrus and whole spices, gently simmered so the flavours blend. The thinly peeled citrus zest adds a bright note, while the cloves and cinnamon bring warmth. Because you sweeten it to taste, you can make it exactly as sweet as your guests like it.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Mulled Wine

• 2 bottles red wine
• 2 pints water (about 1.2 litres)
• 3 lemons
• 1 orange
• 1 extra lemon, for garnish
• 1 extra orange, for garnish
• 12 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Sugar, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mulled Wine

Step 1: Peel and squeeze the citrus. Carefully peel the zest very thinly from 3 lemons and 1 orange, using a vegetable peeler. Squeeze out the juice and reserve both the zest and juice. Thinly slice the extra lemon and orange, quarter the slices, and save them for garnish.

Step 2: Add wine, water and spices. Pour the red wine and water into a large pan. Add the citrus peel and juices, 12 cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks.

Step 3: Simmer gently. Simmer the mix on a low heat for 1 hour. Do not let it boil, as boiling can spoil the flavour and reduce the wine too much.

Step 4: Sweeten and serve. Stir in sugar to taste, until the mulled wine is balanced and not too sharp. Ladle it into warm mugs or glasses, and garnish with the reserved citrus slices.

Cook’s Secrets for a Perfect Mulled Wine

Do not boil the mulled wine, as gentle heat is key to keeping it smooth and fragrant. Peel the citrus zest very thinly, so you get the oils without too much bitter white pith. Add the sugar a little at a time and taste as you go, since wines vary in sweetness. If you want a richer flavour, make it a little ahead and keep it warm, so the spices have more time to infuse. Keep the pan covered if you are holding it for guests, and stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Mary Berry mulled wine in advance? Yes. Make it, cool it, and keep it in the fridge. Gently reheat it before serving, without boiling.

Can I make it non-alcoholic? Yes. Use grape juice, cranberry juice or pomegranate juice as the base, with the same citrus and spices, and sweeten to taste.

What wine should I use? Use a medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. It should be good enough to drink, but not too tannic or dry.

How long should mulled wine simmer? In this recipe, simmer it gently for 1 hour. For a lighter version, 20 to 30 minutes is enough for the spices to infuse.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mary Berry Mulled Wine

This Mary Berry mulled wine is warming, fragrant and wonderfully simple. Red wine, citrus, cloves and cinnamon, simmered gently and sweetened to taste, make a festive drink everyone will love. Serve it warm with citrus garnish, and enjoy.