This low calorie mulled wine mocktail is the warm, spiced holiday drink my whole family can pour a mug of. Diet cran-grape juice simmers with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and fresh orange slices until the house smells like Christmas. At 12 calories per serving with no added sugar, it’s an easy yes on a cold winter evening.
I gave up alcohol in December 2020. My health goals mattered more to me, but honestly, the biggest reason was that it made my anxiety so much worse. I was never a big drinker (a margarita, a sangria, or a glass of white wine at a get-together or dinner out), but the price I paid for just one drink was too much, and I’m not talking about money. I didn’t know at the time that it would be my last drink. I just knew the sangria we had on Christmas Day that year was going to be my last one for a while.
Six years later, I don’t miss it much. The holidays are still the hardest stretch, though. There are festive drinks at every gathering, and I wanted holiday traditions that I (and my boys) could be part of. Mulled wine is everywhere in Europe, and after a few trips there, a non alcoholic mulled wine felt like a fun tradition to bring home. It sits right next to Christmas crackers on Christmas Day, which has been a tradition on my mom’s side of the family since before I was born.
This low calorie mulled wine mocktail comes together in one pot. Everything simmers low for 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you want deeper spice), then gets strained and stays warm on the stove so everyone can ladle their own. Star anise adds a light licorice flavor, so stick with 1–2 if that’s not your thing.
Since it’s only 12 calories per serving with no added sugars, you can enjoy a mug (or two) without tracking it or thinking twice. If you’ve been looking for a low calorie mulled wine mocktail that still feels like a treat, this one makes the whole season a little cozier.
Low Calorie Mulled Wine Mocktail
12 calories per serving
40 minutes to make
6 ingredients
Makes 6 servings (about 1 cup each)
Ingredients
4 cups diet Cran-Grape juice
2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
1–3 whole star anise*
1 medium orange, sliced
*Star anise gives a slight licorice flavor. Use 1–2 if you want less of it.
Directions
- Pour the juice and water into a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.
- Heat on medium-high until just boiling (not a roaring boil).
- Turn the heat to low and simmer very lightly for 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
- Remove all the spices and strain.
- Serve immediately, or keep warm in the pot until ready.
If You're Looking For More
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Nutrition Info
Search MyFitnessPal for:
RJF Low Calorie Mulled
Wine Mocktail
Per Serving (about 1 cup):
12 calories
0g protein | 3g carbs |
0g fats
I’m a mom of three who fell in love with nutrition and strength training after having kids. Now I create simple, high-protein recipes and healthy living ideas that help busy moms fuel their families well and make nourishing food a normal part of everyday life.