Mulled wine, ideal for the festive season

Mulled Wine: Perfect for the Holiday Season

The Tradition of Mulled Wine

As every year, the cold gradually settles over our country. To counter winter blues, many eagerly await the magic of the holidays and the accompanying traditions. Mulled wine is one of those eagerly awaited icons each year as Christmas markets approach. For many, it is more than just a drink: its warm aromas of fruit and spices instantly transport us to the enchantment of the holiday season, evoking warm and comforting memories in the heart of winter. This beverage, however, did not wait for the emergence of Christmas markets to make a name for itself. Spiced and heated wine has been appreciated for several hundred years. Over time, its preparation has evolved, and various mulled wine recipes have emerged across different cultures. Where does mulled wine come from, and how did it reach us? What are its main recipes, and how do you choose the right wine to use?

History and Origin of Mulled Wine

The earliest traces of mulled wine date back to the Roman Empire in the 20th century AD. At that time, mulled wine was reputed to aid in digestion. It was appreciated because it masked the taste of oxidized wine, allowing people to enjoy it for longer. The Roman version of mulled wine involved boiling honey in wine, adding spices and dates soaked initially in the wine, along with roasted date pits.

Later, we find it in the Middle Ages in southern France. Chrétien de Troyes mentions "pimen," a spiced wine that was a source of pride for the Catalan and Occitan regions. In the 13th century, it took the name "Hippocras" and gained fame in the city of Montpellier. At that time, spices were rare and transported from the Middle East to France through the port of Lattes, near Montpellier.

Mulled and spiced wine has since been present in Europe, particularly in Nordic and Germanic countries, with its consumption becoming closely associated with the Christmas period from the 1890s onward. It's no wonder for anyone who has experienced the combined warmth and spices that have no equal in warming the soul.

How to Prepare It Perfectly

The beauty of mulled wine is that spices and sugar can enhance the flavor of the wine. The Romans appreciated it because they lacked effective means of preserving wine. However, a good mulled wine requires selecting a suitable wine, not just a poor one.

Heating a wine will amplify its flavors. It's important to choose a wine with pleasant fruity notes. Preferably young (one to three years old) and with minimal influence from aging (avoid long aging in oak barrels). A rich and round red wine is ideal, though the recipe also works with white wine. For red, we recommend a mid-range wine from the Rhône Valley, a Pinot Noir from Alsace, a Grenache from Languedoc, or a red from the Loire. For white, the same rule applies: choose aromatic varieties from Alsace, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chenin Blanc from the Loire.

Next, simply add to a saucepan (for one liter of wine): citrus fruits (traditionally one orange and one lemon), sugar (100 grams of brown sugar or honey), and spices. Traditional spices include cinnamon, anise (also known as star anise), cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer for five minutes and then let it simmer gently.

What to Pair It With

For food pairings, mulled wine is perfect for seasonal associations. Pair this Christmas-evoking drink with Christmas cookies, chocolate cakes, spiced biscuits (such as gingerbread), or roasted chestnuts from the nearby Christmas market stand. These pairings not only have culinary appeal but also enhance the emotion of Christmas and the comfort of spices, roasted chestnuts, biscuits, and all the elements of folklore that make this time of year special.

Why drink mulled wine at Christmas?

Drinking mulled wine at Christmas is a way to reconnect with a true winter tradition. As the holidays approach, Christmas markets set up in towns and cities, filling the air with that unmistakable scent of orange peel, lemon zest, cinnamon, and cloves. These comforting aromas instantly evoke winter evenings, when we warm our hands around a steaming pot of spiced wine. This ancestral drink remains inseparable from the Advent season because it brings people together.

Mulled wine is also appreciated for its ability to enhance the flavors of red or white wine through the blend of spices. The notes of citrus, dried fruit, and the warmth of nutmeg create a rich and comforting taste experience, perfect for cozy evenings at home or strolls through Christmas markets. From a practical point of view, it is a simple drink to prepare and easy to share: a pot, a few spices, a teaspoon of sugar, and all that’s left to do is let it infuse gently. Christmas is also the ideal time to personalize your mulled wine according to your taste. The recipe has never stopped evolving, from Alsatian Christmas markets to family recipes passed down through generations, each preparation tells its own story.

Some ideas for a creative mulled wine

While the traditional recipe remains a must-have, there are many ways to reinvent mulled wine and surprise your guests. The secret often lies in the balance between the wine and the spice mix. For a more aromatic version, you can add star anise or enhance the citrus notes with lemon peel or lime zest. This approach highlights the roundness of red wines like Pinot Noir or certain Cabernet Sauvignons, which pair particularly well with gentle spices.

For a more delicate variant, white mulled wine is gaining popularity. It offers a silky finish and brings out fruity, floral, and subtle aromas. You can also add slices of orange and a hint of Sichuan pepper to reveal a lightly citrusy and spicy dimension, perfect for winter evenings. Finally, for an original twist, try using an orange wine infused with a blend of Mediterranean spices.

Bonus: our mulled wine recipe

Looking for the perfect mulled wine mix? Here’s a flavorful recipe, ideal for winter evenings or for recreating the warm atmosphere of a Christmas market.

Ingredients

• 1 liter of red or white wine (Pinot Noir, Grenache, or any aromatic grape variety you prefer)
• One orange, sliced, and one lemon
• Two cinnamon sticks
• Three cloves
• One star anise
• A pinch of nutmeg
• One teaspoon of green cardamom (optional)
• A few Sichuan peppercorns for an authentic aroma
• Fifty to one hundred grams of brown sugar or one spoonful of honey
• Extra orange or lemon peel to reinforce the citrus notes

Preparation

1. Pour the wine into a saucepan, stainless-steel pot, or mulled wine kettle.Add the orange slices and lemon (as well as the zest of both).
2. Incorporate the spices: cinnamon, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, green cardamom, and Sichuan pepper.
3. Sweeten with brown sugar or honey, then stir gently with a teaspoon.
4. Heat slowly, without bringing to a boil, to preserve the balance between dried fruit aromas and citrus notes.
5. Let it infuse for about ten minutes, then keep warm (in a thermos carafe or covered pot).
6. Serve immediately for a warm, festive taste experience true to the spirit of Christmas.

FAQ - Mulled wine

Which wine should you use for mulled wine?

Pick a young wine (one to three years old), fruity and lightly influenced by ageing. For red, a round wine from the Rhône Valley, an Alsace pinot noir, a Languedoc grenache or a Loire red all work well. An aromatic white wine is also a great choice.

Which spices go into mulled wine?

The traditional spices are cinnamon, star anise, cloves and nutmeg. For a more original, fragrant version, you can add green cardamom or a few Sichuan peppercorns.

How do you make mulled wine without ruining it?

For one liter of wine, use one orange, one lemon, 100 grams of brown sugar or honey, and the spices. Simmer for five minutes, then let it infuse over low heat without boiling, so the balance of aromas is preserved.

Can you make mulled wine with white wine?

Yes. White mulled wine is gaining popularity: it offers a silky finish and highlights fruity, floral notes. Choose an aromatic Alsace variety, a Sauvignon or a Loire Chenin.

Why do we drink mulled wine at Christmas?

Mulled wine is a winter tradition tied to Christmas markets, where its scent of orange, cinnamon and cloves fills the air. Its warmth and spices are comforting, making it a convivial drink that is simple to prepare and share.