Table of contents
- 1. What Is Mulled Wine?
- 2. What's in Mulled Wine?
- 3. Does Mulled Wine Always Contain Alcohol?
- 4. Tips for Making Mulled Wine: How Does Mulled Wine Taste Best?
- 5. How Long Does Mulled Wine Keep?
- 6. Which Wine Works Best for Mulled Wine?
- 7. What's the Difference Between Mulled Wine, Glögg, and Punch?
- 8. What Is Winemaker's Mulled Wine?
- What mulled wine is made of: depending on the type, white wine, red wine, or rosé, sugar, various mulled wine spices, and orange slices.
- Mulled wine with a kick: if you want to add a splash to your mulled wine, try rum or brandy.
- Alcohol content of mulled wine: mulled wine typically contains between seven and 13 percent alcohol.
- Types of mulled wine: at the Christmas market, you'll find all kinds of mulled wine, whether rosé, white, or red, winemaker's mulled wine, or baked apple, strawberry, or blueberry mulled wine.
When temperatures drop and winter sets in, there's nothing better than warming up with a drink. One of the absolute favorites of the season is mulled wine, whether at a Christmas market, at home by the fireplace, or on a mulled wine hopping tour. But what exactly is mulled wine, what's in it, and does it only come with alcohol? In this article, we dive into the world of this hot drink and share tips for preparation and picking the best ingredients.
What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine, also called spiced wine or vin chaud in other countries, is a hot alcoholic drink made from wine infused with spices. Mulled wine is often enjoyed during the final months of the year. As far back as ancient Rome and the Middle Ages, there was spiced wine, often seasoned so heavily for preservation purposes that it was barely drinkable. In the past, mulled wine was also frequently used as a remedy for colds and flu. The spices and herbs were valued for their supposed medicinal properties, while the alcohol was thought to aid relaxation. The mulled wine we know commercially today was first sold, by the way, back in 1956.
What's in Mulled Wine?
Wondering what mulled wine is made of? Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients:
- Red wine for red mulled wine, or white wine for white mulled wine
- Sugar
- Spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange peel, which give the drink its signature flavor and aroma
- Also popular: mulled wine with a splash of brandy or rum
Does Mulled Wine Always Contain Alcohol?
Mulled wine typically contains alcohol, since it's made from wine. That said, alcohol content can vary and often depends on the type of wine used. Generally, mulled wine contains between seven and 13 percent alcohol. But there are also plenty of non-alcoholic versions for those who want to enjoy this wonderful drink without the buzz.
Tips for Making Mulled Wine: How Does Mulled Wine Taste Best?
To get the best possible flavor out of your mulled wine, here are a few tips:
- Use quality wine: use a good-quality wine, ideally a medium-bodied one (four to six years old), not too acidic, with fruity notes.
- Don't overheat the mulled wine: avoid heating it too much, to preserve the alcohol content. The ideal mulled wine temperature is between 162 and 163°F.
- Give the spices enough time: let the spices steep, overnight if you like, so the flavors can fully develop.
- Get the sweetness right: sweeten the mulled wine to your taste with sugar or honey.
Insider tip: next time, try rosé mulled wine. It doesn't just look especially elegant, it tastes wonderful too, fruity and light.
How Long Does Mulled Wine Keep?
Once prepared, mulled wine should ideally be consumed within two to three days. You can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it as needed. Just keep in mind that its flavor may fade over time.
Which Wine Works Best for Mulled Wine?
In general, low-tannin wines are the best choice for mulled wine.
Popular red wine varieties for mulled wine include:
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dornfelder
For white mulled wine, these white wines work well:
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
Tip: for your mulled wine, it's best to use a wine you'd also enjoy drinking on its own.
What's the Difference Between Mulled Wine, Glögg, and Punch?
Glögg is the Swedish version of mulled wine and often contains additional ingredients like raisins, almonds, and schnapps. Along with lussekatter (Scandinavian saffron buns) and gingerbread, glögg is traditionally enjoyed during Advent, and especially during St. Lucia's Day (a Scandinavian holiday).
The original punch comes from India and contains arrack, sugar, lemon, and tea. Today, "punch" has become a general term for hot drinks in various forms found around the world. Punch is usually made on a juice or spirits base and also spiced with various seasonings. That's the key difference from mulled wine, which by definition can't be made with water or hard liquor.
What Is Winemaker's Mulled Wine?
Winemaker's mulled wine is a high-quality mulled wine made by winemakers themselves. They use their own wine, giving them direct control over quality, which is usually top-notch. You can find this type of mulled wine at wine shops, wineries, and select Christmas markets.
