Mulled Aperol

For me, there are two classic holiday drinks that I have to make every year: mulled wine and Aperol Spritz. They’re both pretty different but seem to bring their own essential something-something to the holiday party. Mulled wine is warm, cozy, and rich where the Aperol spritz is light, bubbly, and refreshing. But then I thought… could I combine them? Is that crazy?!

So, Mulled Aperol isn’t a thing… but it totally should be! It’s so good! Instead of the red wine base of mulled wine I switched to a white wine base to make it more similar to the Prosecco in an Aperol Spritz. Then, of course, we add Aperol. Aperol’s bittersweet, orangey, herbal flavor pairs naturally with the orange slices and spices. Apple cider and honey sweeten the deal and all the spices make it mulled to perfection. Try it out for your next holiday party and let me know what you think. Is Mulled Aperol going to become a thing now?!

Watch Me Mix It

Make it With Me

1. Add white wine, Aperol, apple cider, orange slices, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, honey, and water (if using) to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
   • I like using a dry white wine for the base. I find that Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a dry Riesling work best!
2. Heat gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey. Don’t let it boil — you want it steaming and fragrant, not simmering.
3. Taste and adjust: Add more honey for sweetness, a splash more cider for softness, water if you want it lighter and more sipable.
4. Strain spices if desired, or leave them in for a festive presentation and ladle into glasses for your guests.

Mulled Aperol

Time to make: 25 minutes minutes

A cozy twist on the Aperol Spritz, mulled with spices, wine, and apple cider.

Print Recipe

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 bottles dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Riesling work best)
• 1 cup Aperol
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2-3 oranges, sliced (plus a few peels if you want more citrus aroma)
• 8-10 whole cloves
• 3-5 cardamom pods
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tbsp honey, or to taste
• Up to 1-1/4 cups water, optional (for dilution, depending on how bold you want it)
• Fresh cranberries, optional (for garnish and a hint of tartness)

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
• Heat gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey. Do not let it boil — you want it steaming and fragrant, not simmering.
• Taste and adjust: More honey for sweetness, a splash more cider for softness, water if you want it lighter and more sippable.
• Strain spices if desired, or leave them in for a festive presentation. Ladle into glasses and serve to your guests!

Xoxo, cheers!