There’s something so comforting about Christmas, and mulled wine is always one of my favourite holiday drinks. This Mulled Wine Gin Cocktail is my simple twist on the classic drink I enjoy every time I visit the Christmas markets. It has all the familiar warm spices and citrus notes, but served cold and refreshed with a splash of gin.
I like making my own mulled wine syrup because it gives the drink a lovely, rich flavour. But if you’re short on time, a ready-made mulled wine from the supermarket works beautifully too.
Gin works so well in this cocktail. The botanicals blend naturally with the cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, making a festive drink that’s really easy to put together and perfect for holiday parties or a cosy evening at home.
I love serving this cocktail with plenty of ice and top it with seasonal garnishes like cranberries, rosemary, and a cinnamon stick. It’s such a simple, crowd-pleasing option for Christmas celebrations, or even New Year's eve.
For a variation, I love adding spiced rum instead of gin. It gives the cocktail a warmer, slightly sweeter finish. If you prefer something lighter, vodka also works, although the flavour will be more subtle.
Mulled Wine Syrup (Base for Cocktails)
Ingredients (makes 1 cup):
- 1.25 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 small orange, sliced
- A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
Method:
- In a small saucepan, combine the red wine, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, orange, and black pepper.
- Heat gently over medium heat—don’t let it boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, strain into a bowl to remove the spices and orange pieces. Allow to cool.
Mulled Wine Gin Cocktail
Ingredients (per glass):
- ½ cup mulled wine syrup (from above)
- 30-45ml gin
- Ice cubes
- Cranberries for garnish
- Optional: a sprig of rosemary and cinnamon stick
Method:
- Fill a glass halfway with ice and a few cranberries
- Pour in ½ cup of cooled mulled wine syrup.
- Add gin.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and cinnamon stick and serve.
