As the temperature drops and the nights stretch a little longer, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of mulled wine. Rich in spices and full of depth, mulled wine—also known as Glühwein (pronounced “glue-vine”)—has long been a staple of winter gatherings and festive celebrations.
Thanks to Red Elk's Mulled Wine Syrup, enjoying this heartwarming tradition has never been easier—especially for us Aussies, who are more used to BBQs than German Christmas markets.
But what if you're after that warm, spiced comfort without the alcohol? Whether you're abstaining for health reasons, personal preference, or simply looking to offer a more inclusive option at your next event, non-alcoholic mulled wine delivers all the flavour and nostalgia—minus the buzz.
Why Dealcoholised Wine is the Game-Changer
Non-alcoholic wine has come a long way in recent years, with some options now offering beautifully complex flavours that genuinely rival their alcoholic counterparts. That said, there’s a key tip to keep in mind: look for “dealcoholised wine” rather than “non-alcoholic wine.”
Most non-alcoholic wines are just glorified grape juice. In contrast, dealcoholised wine is made using real wine that has had the alcohol gently removed, preserving its body, tannin, and depth—exactly what you need for a good mulled wine.
A medium-bodied Shiraz or Merlot works best with our spiced syrup, offering just enough richness to balance the traditional flavours of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. You’ll find dealcoholised wines in their own section in most major supermarkets or at local liquor retailers.
Red Elk's Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe
This recipe captures everything you love about mulled wine—warmth, spice, and that sense of seasonal comfort—without the alcohol. Perfect for sharing with everyone.
For a Large Batch (approx. 1.6L)
- 400ml Red Elk Glühwein Syrup
- 1L dealcoholised red wine (Shiraz or Merlot)
- 250ml water
Mix all ingredients in a heatproof jug or saucepan. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 65–70ºC. Serve in pre-warmed mugs or glass tumblers. Garnish with sliced apple, orange peel, a cinnamon stick, or star anise.
For a Single Serve (approx. 330ml)
- 80ml Red Elk Glühwein Syrup
- 200ml dealcoholised red wine
- 50ml water
Mix, warm gently, and serve with optional garnish. Perfect for a cosy evening wind-down.
Make-Ahead & Hosting Tips
- Pre-warm your mugs with hot water before serving to help keep your drink warm.
- No need to pre-heat ingredients—mix everything cold and warm it all together.
- Use a slow cooker for events: Heat on HIGH for 30 mins, then switch to KEEP WARM.
- Don’t boil it! Even with the alcohol removed, boiling can dull the spice profile.
- Make ahead: Combine and store in a jug in the fridge, then heat when ready.
Shop the Star Ingredient
This non-alcoholic mulled wine is a beautiful, inclusive twist on a winter classic—one you can enjoy with friends, family, or solo by the fire. And with Red Elk’s syrup, all the hard work is already done. Just heat, sip, and savour.