Picture this: you’re wandering through a Christmas market, twinkling lights overhead, the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air, and your hands wrapped around a steaming cup of mulled wine. That first sip? Pure warmth. It’s like drinking Christmas. But did you know that this cosy winter drink has its roots in ancient Rome? The Romans started heating their wine and adding spices like cinnamon and cloves to preserve it during the chilly months. They called it Conditum Paradoxum, and it was meant to keep you warm—and maybe even ward off a cold or two. Practical and delicious.
As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did their love of spiced wine. By the Middle Ages, it had become the go-to winter drink, a comforting mix of wine, herbs, and spices believed to have medicinal benefits. Fast forward a few centuries, and mulled wine became the star of Christmas markets, especially in Germany and Scandinavia. In fact, Germany’s Dresden Christmas market has been serving it up since 1434, making it one of the oldest Christmas market traditions. Imagine sipping mulled wine there, knowing it’s been warming hearts for almost 600 years!
Mulled Wine at Christmas Markets: A Tradition That Glows
Ever wonder why Germans call it Glühwein? It literally means “glow wine” because it makes you feel all warm and glowing inside. Perfect name, right? The Swedish version, glögg, even comes with little extras like raisins and almonds tossed in for good measure. And here’s a fun fact: the world’s largest mulled wine glass was made in France in 2018 and held over 700 litres.
Christmas markets are mulled wine’s natural habitat. There’s something magical about holding a cup as you stroll past stalls filled with handmade ornaments, twinkling fairy lights, and the scent of cinnamon in the air. The drink itself becomes part of the experience—warming your hands while you soak in the festive atmosphere.
Classic Mulled Wine Recipe (Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Christmas)
Making mulled wine at home is easy and makes your whole house smell like the best parts of December. Here’s my go-to recipe:
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Shiraz work beautifully)
• 2 oranges (one sliced, one juiced)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 3 star anise
• 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
• 60ml brandy (optional but highly recommended)
Method:
Pour the wine into a big saucepan and gently heat it—don’t let it boil, or you’ll lose the good stuff!
Add the orange slices, juice, spices, and sugar. Stir gently and let it simmer on low for about 20–30 minutes.
If you’re feeling fancy, stir in some brandy at the end. Ladle into mugs, and enjoy!
Fun fact: historically, some recipes even added bread or eggs to thicken the wine. Thankfully, we’ve moved on from that!
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat with Mulled Wine
Mulled wine loves a good snack. Pair it with mince pies, gingerbread, or roasted chestnuts for a classic combo. In Germany, it’s often enjoyed with bratwurst or soft pretzels, while in Sweden, pepparkakor—crispy ginger biscuits—are the perfect match. And in the UK, nothing beats sipping it alongside a slice of stollen or a wedge of Christmas pudding.
A Tradition Worth Sharing
Mulled wine isn’t just a drink—it’s a tradition, a story, and a warm, spiced memory in a mug. Whether you’re making it for friends or just for yourself on a chilly night, it’s like wrapping your hands around a little piece of Christmas history. So, why not give it a try? Your house will smell amazing, and it’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends for some festive cheer. Cheers to a cosy, mulled wine-filled Christmas!