Add all ingredients to a 4 qt pot over medium heat.
Bring to a slight simmer, then reduce heat to low, add the lid and allow to simmer for 1 hour.
Strain mulled wine through a fine mesh sieve to remove orange zest, cloves, and star anise.
Serve immediately while hot with orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cranberries. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Instructions
Add all ingredients to slow cooker bowl.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
Strain mulled wine through a fine mesh sieve to remove orange zest, cloves, and star anise.
Serve immediately while hot with orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cranberries. Enjoy!
Storage and reheating instructions
Once wine has cooled completely at room temperature, transfer to an air-tight glass container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
To reheat, warm through on the stovetop or microwave.
If I know I am going to be storing and/or reheating, I will keep the star anise and cinnamon sticks I simmered the wine with and steep them in the mulled wine in the fridge. This keeps the spice flavor strong!
Notes
The slow cooker has a longer cook time because slow cookers warm up much more gradually than the stovetop. I love this method for parties or gatherings because you can keep the mulled wine on the "warm setting" throughout the party.
Using fresh spices is optimal and highly recommended. If that is not an option, use a pre-spiced apple cider like the Trader Joe's spiced apple cider is the next best option.
If you'd like stronger spice flavor: crush the whole cloves and star anise prior to simmering. This will allow the spices to release more of their flavors.