About Mulled Wine

The word “mulled” simply means heated and spiced. Many liquids can be mulled including mead and cider and, of course, wine. Mulled wine is a traditional favorite in cooler locations such as Northern Europe and it goes very well with the various Christmas celebrations that come around the end of the year; it also goes down particularly well at outdoor markets!

Mulled wines have a long history. In medieval times these wines were called Ypocras or Hipocris, named after the physician Hippocrates. They were thought to be very healthy because, as well as being purer than the water of the time, these heated drinks kept people healthy through the cold winters.

Moving forward to the 1500s, cook books listed methods of mulling “Clarrey”, or Bordeaux. Recipes involved honey, cinnamon, cardamon, galingale and of course French wine. Mulled wine was a favorite in Victorian England, where teh mulled wine of the day “Negus” was served to children at their birthday parties as well as their parents.

Today, mulled wine is a staple at many holiday parties and each mulled wine recipe can be as varied as that of sangria recipes!

There are different mulled wine recipes in every part of the world with some favouring white wine, others using red, some adding in only a few spices, while others using oranges, cloves, twelve spices and more fruit for color!

Our Mulled Wine Recipe website will guide you through the various mulled wine recipes available for you to make at home or buy. Your mulled drink is limited only by your own imagination!

Types of Mulled Wine

Glögg

Glögg is a form of mulled wine that is drunk in Scandinavian countries. It usually contains red wine, spices, such as ginger, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, and sugar or syrup.  Stronger alcoholic spirits, such as brandy or vodka may be added.

Glühwein

Glühwein is a German version of mulled wine, made with red wine, sugar and spices.  It may include stronger spirits, such as brandy.

Quentão

Quentão is a Brazilian form of mulled wine. It is made of cachaça, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugarcane, mixed with spices. In some parts of Brazil, the cachaça is replaced with red wine.

It is often served during Festa Junina, the Feast of St. John, which takes place in June, the beginning of the Brazilian winter.

Other Names for Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is called vin brulé in Italy, vin chaud in France and grzane wino in Poland.