As the holiday season approaches, it's time to embrace the cosy traditions that make this time of year special. One such tradition that has been cherished for centuries is sipping on a warm, spiced glass of mulled wine. This delightful beverage has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the Roman era and it’s not surprising that the merry marvel has evolved and grown over the centuries to become a truly cherished Christmas beverage.
So join Wise Bartender as we explore five different variations of mulled wine, each offering a unique twist on this beloved seasonal treat.
Classic Mulled Wine
Mulled wine, the OG of this festive tradition, is a timeless favourite that needs no introduction. With a base of red wine and an array of warm, aromatic spices, this recipe encapsulates the essence of the holidays with plenty of citrus hints to kick your tastebuds up a notch.
Simply curl up in your Christmas PJs, switch the TV to the comforts of holly-day movies, and let your classic Mulled Wine warm you from the tips of your fingers, right down to your mistle-toes.
Ingredients:
- One bottle Wednesday's Domaine Sanguine Alcohol Free Red Wine
- 1 tsp All The Bitters 'Orange' Alcohol Free Bitters
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 8 cloves
- 4 tbsp honey/maple syrup
Recipe:
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pan saucepan
- Stir to combine
- Cook on a medium high heat - avoid letting the mulled wine bubble
- Reduce to a low heat and cover
- Allow to cook for up to 3 hours, to your taste
- Serve and enjoy
Swedish Glogg
Sweden has its very own version of mulled wine known as a Glogg. This scandinavian drink is dressed up with almonds and raisins, but don’t be fooled, it’s as easy to sleigh as a minced pie. Unlike European mulled wine, Swedish Glogg is decidedly boozy, complete with whiskey, vodka or rum to heighten your senses.
But we don’t want you to miss out on the festivities, which is why we’ve turned this phenomenal recipe alcohol-free with our own Wise Bartender-style twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle NEWBLOOD Shiraz Alcohol Free Red Wine
- 1 ½ cups Rebels Malt Blend Alcohol Free Whiskey/ Bourbon Alternative
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 8 cloves
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp cardamom pods
- I inch cube of ginger - sliced
Recipe:
- Combine the ingredients in a large pan
- Heat to a simmer for a few minutes
- Remove from heat
- Allow to steep for around an hour
- Strain and serve with a fresh slice of orange
Vino Caliente
Vino Caliente is a delightful and heartwarming beverage that captures the essence of the Spanish holiday season. Its unique blend of spices, red wine, and citrus fruits is sure to make your Christmas or winter gatherings even more special. Even better, it’s one of the more subtle variations of hot wine, making it a true crowd pleaser.
So, this holiday season, gather your loved ones, prepare a pot of Vino Caliente, and let the warmth of this Spanish mulled wine create unforgettable memories.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle ZENO Alcohol Free Liberated Red Wine
- ½ cup Gnista Barreled Oak
- ½ cup sugar
- 5 cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup water
Recipe:
- Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan
- Heat on a medium heat for 30 minutes
- Strain and serve
- Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick
Vin Brule
From Spain to Italy, the Vin Brule is perfect for chilly nights when the advent atmosphere descends upon our homes, and consuming indulgent drinks transforms from a luxury to a much beloved nightly pastime.
Vin Brule is a true antiquity in the drinks world, it gained popularity as a medicinal remedy sweetened with honey, and has evolved over hundreds of years into a respected staple of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Casa Emma Zeero Sangiovese Chianti Alcohol Extra Dry Free Red Wine
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ lemon peel
- ½ orange peel
- ½ apple sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 vanilla pod
- 7 cloves
Recipe:
- Combine the sugar and enough red wine to cover it in a large saucepan
- Use a handheld blender to ensure the sugar is distributed evenly
- Heat for 2 minutes
- Add the spices, apple slices and fruit peels
- Bring to the boil and whisk continuously until left with a syrup
- Add the remaining wine
- Serve and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick
White Mulled Wine
From the classics to something a little less expected, we propose that you whip up a batch of White Mulled Wine this Yuletide season and delight in a unique twist on a festive favourite. This enchanting variation is less spiced and notably less sweet than its red wine counterparts but it remains just as warming.
The ideal pairing for lighter Christmas lunches and guests who don’t have a potent sweet tooth. In fact, we dare say that Scrooge himself wouldn’t turn it down.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Hardys Alcohol Free Chardonnay
- 400ml Maiden Mill 'Flyer' Cloudy Medium Dry Alcohol Free Cider
- 1 tbsp golden sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 cloves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Lemon slices
Recipe:
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pan saucepan
- Stir to combine
- Cook on a medium high heat until it boils
- Reduce to a low heat and simmer for 5 minutes
- Strain and serve
- Garnish with lemon slices
