Mulled wine is a wonderful, traditional drink that is particularly popular during the cold season, especially at Christmas. With its warm, spicy aroma, it brings coziness and a festive mood to cold winter evenings.
The History of Mulled Wine
The roots of mulled wine go back to ancient times, when wines were refined with spices and herbs in ancient Greece and Rome. These drinks were often served to celebrate festivals and special occasions, but were also used for medicinal purposes.
Historical records show that the Romans refined their wines with various flavors and spices to improve shelf life and intensify flavor.
During the Middle Ages, the warm, spiced wine beverage found its way into European cultures, especially German-speaking regions. The use of spices in wine became popular as they were believed to provide both health benefits and to make the wine more palatable. At this time, spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg were highly prized and were often considered a sign of wealth and grandeur.
The term "mulled wine" itself probably first appeared in German-speaking countries in the 14th century. At that time, people often drank "spiced wine" that had been heated and sweetened with honey or sugar. A popular tradition was to sell mulled wine at Christmas markets, which made the drink more integrated into festive customs throughout the German-speaking world.
In the 19th century, mulled wine finally became associated with Christmas celebrations, and the first Christmas markets as we know them today began. Mulled wine was a popular drink at these markets and was often served in cups or earthenware mugs. It is said that the first special mulled wine knives used for selling mulled wine were used in Frankfurt am Main in 1712.
Over time, the tradition of the mulled wine festival spread beyond the country's borders and found favor in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Sweden. Each region developed its own variations and recipes, often influenced by local wines and spices.
Today, mulled wine is known and popular not only in Europe, but worldwide - especially in the cold season. It is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of conviviality and the joy of festive occasions. Mulled wine brings people together, be it at a Christmas market, at a winter celebration or simply in the cozy atmosphere of a home.
Whether interpreted in a traditional or modern way, the history of mulled wine reflects the cultural developments and the artistry with which wine and spices are combined. This warming drink remains an integral part of winter festivities and will continue to delight many hearts in the future.
Different types of mulled wine
Although traditional mulled wine is made from red wine, there are many variations. The classic version is red wine mulled wine, which is made from a strong red wine and is often seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and sugar.
White wine mulled wine, also called “mulled white”, relies on the fruity aromas of white wine and is often lightly spiced.
A fresh alternative is rosé mulled wine, which is made from rosé wine and is perfect for warmer weather.
For those who want to avoid animal products, there is vegan mulled wine, which uses alternative clarification methods.
Finally, there is non-alcoholic mulled wine, which is prepared with grape juice or other fruit juices and contains the typical spices.
The classic ingredients for mulled wine include high-quality red, white or rosé wine. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and nutmeg are the typical spices that give the drink its distinctive, warm note.
Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the wine, but honey or agave syrup are also popular alternatives.
Citrus fruits such as orange and lemon are also often used, sliced and heated together with the wine to create a fruity aroma. Depending on the recipe, apples, berries or a dash of rum or amaretto can also be added to vary the taste.
Exotic Variations
Mulled wine can be enhanced in many ways and combined with different flavors. An interesting option is chai mulled wine, which gets a warm, spicy note reminiscent of Indian masala tea through the addition of chai tea and spices.
A tropical variation combines the classic spices with fruity juices like pineapple or mango juice, while the chocolate mulled wine adds melted chocolate to create a creamy texture and extra flavor.
Classic mulled wine recipe
Here is a simple and delicious recipe for classic mulled wine, perfect for cold winter evenings and festive occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (e.g. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 cloves
- 2-3 star anise
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- 1 shot of brandy or rum (optional, for extra warmth)
Preparation:
- Preparation: Start by slicing the orange and lemon. You can also dice or chop the fruit as desired.
- seasoning mix: In a large saucepan or heatproof dish, place the red wine bottle along with the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise.
- Heat: Heat the mixture over medium heat. Let the mulled wine heat slowly, without bringing it to the boil - this would not be good for the taste and aromas. Let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes so that the spices and fruits can develop.
- Cuties: Add the sugar and, if desired, the honey. Stir the mixture until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Taste the mulled wine and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Optional sip: If you like it a little stronger, you can now add a shot of brandy or rum. This gives the mulled wine an additional depth.
- Serve: Pour the mulled wine through a sieve into heat-resistant glasses or cups to filter out the spices and pieces of fruit. You can also garnish the mulled wine with a piece of cinnamon stick or an orange slice.
- Enjoy: Serve the mulled wine hot and enjoy the warmth and festive aromas!
Tips:
- You can experiment with the spices and sweetness to customize the mulled wine to your personal taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the red wine with grape juice and use the remaining ingredients according to the recipe.
This is your classic mulled wine recipe! Perfect for relaxing in cold weather and enjoying the coziness of winter time. Cheers!
How to drink mulled wine properly
To enjoy mulled wine to the fullest, there are a few tips on how to drink it. Mulled wine should ideally be served at around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius; it should be hot, but not boiling, to allow the aromas of the spices to come through to their full advantage.
It is best served in heat-resistant glasses or cups to keep the temperature longer and make it easier to enjoy. To keep the mulled wine warm, you can use a thermos flask, or a chafing dish or an electric mulled wine bowl will keep the temperature constant without bringing the mulled wine to the boil.
alcohol and calories
The amount of alcohol you have after drinking a glass of mulled wine can vary. It depends on your body weight, the speed at which you drink it, the alcohol content of the mulled wine and your gender. On average, a glass of mulled wine (approx. 0,2 to 0,3 liters) has an alcohol content of around 7 to 12% vol. If we assume a glass of 0,25 liters and an alcohol content of 9%, you could reach around 0,2 to 0,3 per mille after drinking, but this is only a rough guide.
As for calories, a glass of mulled wine usually has between 200 and 300 calories, depending on the recipe and ingredients. They also often contain sugar and spices, which can increase the calorie count. If you're looking for something lighter, there are also recipes for mulled wine with less sugar or even non-alcoholic versions!
Mulled wine is a drink full of tradition and warmth, the perfect companion for cold winter evenings. Whether classic or exotic - the variety of preparation methods and flavors ensures that there is something for everyone. With the right ingredients and an optimal drinking temperature, enjoying mulled wine becomes an unforgettable experience. So grab a cup and let yourself be seduced by the warm aroma! Cheers!
