Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine (Cozy Holiday Drink)

Name: Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine (Cozy Holiday Drink)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups alcohol-free red wine or red grape juice; 1 cup pomegranate juice; 1 ½ cup cranberry juice; 1 large orange (sliced); 3 cinnamon sticks; 4 whole cloves; 2 star anise; 3.5 tbsps honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup fresh cranberries; Garnish: cinnamon stick + rosemary + orange slice (star anise and fresh cranberries)

By Ashley McCrary

Published Jan 26, 2026

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This non alcoholic mulled wine is warm, cozy, and made for holiday gatherings where everyone can join in, from kids to guests skipping alcohol. It’s gently simmered with classic winter spices, citrus, and a balanced blend of juices, so it tastes festive and rich instead of overly sweet or like hot grape juice. If you love the idea of mulled wine but want something inclusive, comforting, and easy to serve all season long, this recipe fits right into your holiday plans!

Non-alcoholic mulled wine in a glass mug on a silver serving plate, garnished with an orange slice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary.

Why You’ll Love This Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe

This drink brings all the comfort of traditional mulled wine without the alcohol, which makes it perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or quiet winter nights at home. The blend of grape, pomegranate, and cranberry juices creates depth and balance, while warming spices make your kitchen smell incredible as it simmers.

It’s also flexible. You can make this alcohol free mulled wine on the stovetop for a cozy night in or set it up in the crockpot for effortless entertaining. Once it’s warm, it stays that way, letting guests serve themselves without any fuss.

What really sets this apart is that it doesn’t taste like hot juice. The blend of grape, pomegranate, and cranberry juices creates depth, while citrus peel and whole spices give it that classic mulled wine warmth you expect. It drinks cozy and balanced, not sugary or flat! The kind of thing you want to sip while the house smells like the holidays.

I especially love serving it alongside a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup for a comforting winter meal that feels thoughtful but relaxed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Non alcoholic mulled wine recipe ingredients laid out in nesting bowls and plates on a wooden countertop.

Alcohol-Free Red Wine or Red Grape Juice: This forms the base of the drink and gives it that classic mulled wine flavor without alcohol. Alcohol-free red wine adds the most depth, but red grape juice works beautifully for a fully family-friendly option.
Pomegranate Juice: Adds tartness and richness, helping balance the sweetness and giving the drink a more complex, grown-up flavor.
Cranberry Juice: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that keeps the mulled wine from tasting flat or overly sweet. Use unsweetened if possible.
Large Orange: Both the juice and peel add warmth and citrusy freshness that lift the spices and round out the flavor.
Cinnamon Sticks: Essential for that cozy, spiced winter aroma and classic mulled wine taste.
Whole Cloves: Add deep warmth and spice. A little goes a long way, so whole cloves are best for controlled flavor.
Star Anise: Contributes subtle licorice notes that make this taste like a true holiday punch (warm) instead of spiced juice.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Used sparingly to sweeten and balance the tart juices. Maple syrup adds a slightly deeper, warmer sweetness, while honey keeps things lighter.
Vanilla Extract: Softens the spices and ties all the flavors together. Added at the end so it doesn’t cook off.
Fresh Cranberries: Optional, but great for visual appeal and a festive touch when serving.
Garnish Options: Cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, orange slices, or star anise with fresh cranberries add aroma and make each mug feel special.

How to Make This Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine

Stovetop Instructions

Non alcoholic mulled wine ingredients in a Dutch oven.

Step 1: Add the alcohol-free red wine or grape juice, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sweetener to a saucepan or Dutch oven.

Step 2: Heat over low to medium-low heat. Bring it just to a gentle steam, not a boil — you’re warming it, not cooking it.

Step 3: Let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes so the flavors infuse.

Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and serve right away. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, rosemary, orange slices, star anise, and fresh cranberries.

Crockpot Instructions

Non alcoholic mulled wine ingredients in a crock pot.

Step 1: Add everything except the vanilla extract to the crockpot.

Step 2: Heat on LOW until warm, then switch to WARM for serving.

Step 3: Stir in the vanilla just before serving and garnish as desired.

This stovetop mulled drink easily turns into a hands-off option when you’re hosting!

Mac’s Pro Tip

Tips for the Best Flavor

Use a blend of juices instead of just one. This keeps the mulled grape juice from tasting overly sweet or one-note. Always heat gently, since boiling dulls the spices and citrus. If serving kids, this kid friendly holiday drink is best kept warm rather than hot.
For easy entertaining, pair it with simple bites like easy stuffed dates, which balance the warmth of the drink with a sweet-savory contrast.

Close-up of non-alcoholic mulled wine in a glass mug on a silver serving plate, garnished with an orange slice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary.

How to Keep It From Being Too Sweet

The key to avoiding overly sweet mulled wine is balance. Using a mix of juices instead of just one keeps the flavor layered, while citrus peel and whole spices add warmth and depth. Start with a small amount of honey or maple syrup, then adjust at the end once everything has simmered and mellowed.

Overhead view of non-alcoholic mulled wine in a glass mug on a silver serving plate, garnished with an orange slice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary.

How to Serve and Keep Warm

Serve this Christmas drink (non alcoholic) in mugs or heatproof glasses. If you’re hosting, the crockpot method is ideal because it keeps everything warm without constant attention. This spiced winter drink is also great to prep shortly before guests arrive so your home smells cozy and inviting.
If you’re offering both warm and cold options, pairing it with a chilled drink like my apple cider slush mocktail gives guests an easy non-alcoholic choice for any preference.

Recipe FAQs

Does mulled wine need to boil?

No. Mulled wine should be gently heated, not boiled. Boiling dulls the spices and citrus, while low heat keeps the flavor balanced and aromatic.

What’s the best juice to use for non alcoholic mulled wine?

A blend of red grape juice with pomegranate and cranberry juice works best. Using more than one juice adds depth and keeps the drink from tasting overly sweet.

How hot should non alcoholic mulled wine be served?

Serve it warm, not piping hot. Gentle heat keeps the spices flavorful and makes it comfortable for both kids and adults to enjoy.

Can I make non alcoholic mulled wine ahead of time?

Yes. You can make it up to one day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the crockpot before serving.

This non alcoholic mulled wine is the kind of recipe that makes the holidays feel welcoming and warm. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, it’s an easy way to bring everyone together. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you served it or what you paired it with.

This warm holiday drink also pairs beautifully with cozy desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread for a festive finish.

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