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.