Having cozy mulled grape juice during the cold winter months is a yummy way to remember the warm summer days.

I am constantly on the hunt for new ways to use the pantry staples that we store up during the year after harvest season. When the grape vines have had a good year, I like to make all kinds of goodies like, grape jam, grape popsicles, and even grape juice! Then, I tuck away a jar or two of our home canned grape juice (so it doesn’t get used up before Winter) to make this warm drink!

Mulled grape juice is a non-alcoholic version of a mulled wine that the whole family can enjoy. They warm spices like cinnamon and clove, make this drink perfect for around the holidays, or just when it is cold outside. I like to add fresh citrus to our mulled grape juice because it brightens everything up and keeps this drink from getting too sweet.

This recipe is simple to make, and can be made in a slow cooker which is a good option if you’ve got company since it can pretty much make itself! Plus, it will make your whole house smell amazing!

Tools you’ll need to make mulled grape juice

Sauce pan, dutch oven, or slow cooker
Mugs for serving

Ingredients you’ll need to make mulled grape juice

4 cups Grape juice
1 Cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1-1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 tablespoon Maple syrup

How to make mulled grape juice on the stove top

Put all ingredients into a medium saucepan, and then heat until almost boiling
Turn off the heat an let infuse for 30 minutes
Ladle into mugs and enjoy
If desired garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

How to make mulled grape juice in a slow cooker

Put all ingredients into a slow cooker.
Turn on low heat for 6-7 hours.
Ladle into mugs.
If desired garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

slow cooker sitting on counter cooking mulled grape juice

Mulled grape juice tips

Use whole cloves and cinnamon stick-make sure to use the cloves and the cinnamon stick in their whole form. This will keep the mulled grape juice from getting too strong.
Make the grape juice ahead of time-just make sure to remove the spices before storing. Reheat by pouring the juice into a small pot and heat on medium until just about boiling.
This recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you’ve got a crowd!
Use store-bought grape juice. Though we like to use our home-canned juice, store-bought works great too!
Serve in the slow cooker. Even if you make the grape juice on the stove top, consider serving from the slow cooker so it stays warm.
Make sure not to skip the citrus! The citrus really balances out the sweetness of the grapes. This recipe is special because there is a complexity of flavors like that tartness from the lemon.
Make sure to use 100% pure maple syrup. The fake imitation versions have an overpowering maple flavor that will alter the finished drink.

Variations for Mulled Grape Juice

Use white grape juice, because the light color would make this juice even more beautiful!
Swap the spices-cardamon, star anise, nutmeg, or all-spice would all be delicious!
Try blood oranges, grape fruit, or even lime
Swap the grape juice for Bordeaux wine to make this an adult beverage.
Serve this juice cold by cooling it completely before serving chilled, with ice.
Add cranberries!

Commonly asked questions

Can you heat up grape juice?

Yes, grape juice can be heated to make a warm drink or left cold. Make sure to heat the juice slowly to avoid scorching.

What is mulled juice made of?

Mulled grape juice is simply grape juice with warm spices, ginger, citrus and other aromatic ingredients to it. As a result, those ingredients are then infused into the juice to make a delicious drink!

How long do you hot bath grape juice?

To water bath can grape juice the jars only need to be in the canner for 5 minutes. To learn more about how to can your own grape juice, read my article home canned grape juice.

What does it mean when a drink is mulled?

“to heat, sweeten, and flavor with spices.” Typically, a red variety is steeped with mulling spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, anise, and nutmeg. Citrus fruits and raisins are sometimes added to the mixture to enhance its flavor.

Can I make mulled grape juice wheat of time?

If cooling to reheat later, strain to remove the fruit ands spices. The flavour will naturally intensify. Add some fresh orange and cranberries when you reheat it
Keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Why is mulled grape juice called mulled?

“Mulling” refers to the process of heating, sweetening, and flavoring a beverage like mulled wine or hot apple cider. “Mulled” drinks typically include a mixture of mulling spices, like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. This mulled wine mocktail recipe simmers and steeps many of these spices, and it’s delicious served warm!

Can I freeze mulled grape juice?

Yes! Mulled grape juice can be frozen as long as it is cooled in the refrigerator first. Strain all of the mulling spices, ginger, and citrus after they are done infusing so the juice doesn’t get too strong. Pour it into a freeze bag or another freezer container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, let the juice though, and re-heat on the stove.