When Wine Glows in Winter
As soon as the temperatures drop, one particular treat becomes a seasonal favorite: mulled wine. During the Christmas season—especially at holiday markets—this delicious hot alcoholic beverage is simply indispensable. But where does the tradition of drinking mulled wine in winter actually come from?
Mulled wine has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years to the Romans. They spiced their wine to balance its acidity and improve its preservation. The precursor to mulled wine was Conditum Paradoxum, a Roman spiced wine made by simmering honey with wine and enhancing it with spices like pepper, bay leaves, saffron, and roasted date pits. Other ingredients included ginger, cardamom, rose water, marjoram, or nutmeg. In the Middle Ages, mulled wine remained a luxury item due to the high cost of spices. The Roman version is even referenced in the ancient cookbook De re coquinaria ("On Cooking") by Apicius, dating to the 3rd or 4th century. The German version of mulled wine, however, only emerged in 1956 when a vendor at the Augsburg Christmas Market served it for the first time. Initially, he was fined for violating wine laws by adding sugar to the wine. But the innovative drink quickly won over hearts and palates, beginning its unstoppable rise.
Mulled wine has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years to the Romans. They spiced their wine to balance its acidity and improve its preservation. The precursor to mulled wine was Conditum Paradoxum, a Roman spiced wine made by simmering honey with wine and enhancing it with spices like pepper, bay leaves, saffron, and roasted date pits. Other ingredients included ginger, cardamom, rose water, marjoram, or nutmeg. In the Middle Ages, mulled wine remained a luxury item due to the high cost of spices. The Roman version is even referenced in the ancient cookbook De re coquinaria ("On Cooking") by Apicius, dating to the 3rd or 4th century. The German version of mulled wine, however, only emerged in 1956 when a vendor at the Augsburg Christmas Market served it for the first time. Initially, he was fined for violating wine laws by adding sugar to the wine. But the innovative drink quickly won over hearts and palates, beginning its unstoppable rise.
Today, mulled wine is affordable for everyone and is enjoyed worldwide during the holiday season. It is an aromatic wine-based product made exclusively from red, white, or rosé wine, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, lemon peel, or star anise. It is typically mass-produced industrially.
Not all mulled wine is the same
A true treat for the taste buds, however, is Winzer Glühwein — mulled wine crafted directly by wineries. To be labeled as such, it must meet specific criteria: it must be made entirely on the winery's premises using only grapes from their own vineyards. Purchased grapes are not allowed. Additionally, unlike "regular" mulled wine, Winzer Glühwein may only contain wine, spices, and natural flavors. Adding sugar or juice is prohibited.
Mulled Wine with Friends
On chilly days, mulled wine can warm your heart at home. How about inviting your friends over for a cozy pre-Christmas mulled wine evening on your patio? With our easy DIY recipes, you can whip up mulled wine in no time!
Red Mulled Wine
For this classic favorite, choose a dry red wine with low acidity and tannins but a fruity and bold character. French, Italian, or Spanish reds like Merlot, Montepulciano, or Tempranillo are excellent choices, as are German wines like Dornfelder, Trollinger, or Spätburgunder.Simply heat the wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise at a maximum of 80°C (175°F) for 5–10 minutes, then serve with orange slices. For an exotic touch, add cardamom and nutmeg—perfectly complementing the orange flavor while keeping things festive.
White Mulled Wine
Not a fan of red wine? Try a white wine version! White mulled wine has grown increasingly popular in recent years and is now widely available at Christmas markets. Ideal options include fruity, aromatic young white wines like Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, or Silvaner. The preparation is nearly identical to that of red mulled wine: heat the wine and add spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The result is a lighter, fresher taste compared to its red counterpart while still delivering a cozy, wintery charm.In Northern Germany, a variation called Heißer Seehund ("Hot Seal") swaps out the cloves for raisins in hot white wine.
Glögg
In Scandinavia, they take it up a notch with Glögg, a mulled wine variant that includes not only red wine and spices but also a splash of schnapps, rum, or vodka. It's a warming drink, but not for the faint-hearted!Winter Sangria
For the ultimate cozy winter vibe, try winter sangria: a delightful mix of apple, orange, pomegranate, cinnamon, red wine, and a generous splash of orange liqueur. It’s a pure indulgence!
We hope you enjoy experimenting with these recipes—perhaps they’ll bring a bit of traditional Christmas market magic to your home.
Seite bewerten
Welcome to wine.vino.wein – the wine lover’s magazine
In our magazine you will find editorial articles and information about wine. As we are committed to the responsible use of alcoholic beverages, the content is aimed exclusively at adults and you must be at least 18 years old to visit wine.vino.wein.