The History of Mulled Wine, The Symbolic Drink of Christmas

When the winter cold arrives and we huddle around the fireplace, a glass of mulled wine is just what you need. Warm, enveloping and fragrant: there is nothing better to cheer up, perhaps accompanied by some sweets. Mulled wine is a very simple drink, but very successful: a recipe with ancient origins, a symbol of northern European countries and those of the Alpine arc, but which today is widespread throughout the world. Let's discover its history  and the variations to prepare it.

Mulled Wine: The History of An Ancient Drink

Mulled wine ( also known in German-speaking countries as glühwein, in French-speaking countries as vin chaud in French, and in Great Britain as mulled wine) is a hot drink made from wine, usually red, sugar and aromatic spices, popular in many European and non-European countries. Its origins are to be found in the history of Ancient Rome, where the "conditum paradoxum" was drunk, described by Apicius in "De re coquinaria": a wine sweetened with honey, which was heated several times and flavored with saffron, pepper, spikenard leaves and dates, traditionally offered to guests at the end of the meal. A similar drink can also be found in the Middle Ages, called Hippocras, but also Claret or Piment: a wine flavored with medicinal herbs, which however was consumed lukewarm or even cold. Another ancestor of mulled wine could be traced back to the Swedish glögg: more than a specific recipe, this word indicates the custom of putting spices in wine, also for their healing properties. Another aim of glögg was to improve the flavor of wine, which was often of poor quality at the time: this is also why cognac or dark rum also appears in the recipe at a certain point.

Variations of Mulled Wine

In Northern Europe, mulled wine is consumed mainly during the Advent period: but you can find it throughout the cold months, from November to Carnival. It can be found especially during street parties, but also in Christmas markets, such as the very famous one in Saint Catherine's Square in Brussels. There are several local variations, according to the traditions of specific countries: here are some of the most famous.

1. Gluhwein, Germany

The German version of mulled wine is made with red wine, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom and orange or citron peel. You will find it at all Christmas markets and, in particular, those in Munich: the best thing is to serve it with  Lebkuchen, the spiced gingerbread cookies typical of Nuremberg. In Austria, mulled wine is made with wine made from Schiava, also known as Vernatsch, and often a little star anise is added. In Vienna, however, you can also find  punsch, a rum or gin-based drink, with the addition of citrus fruits and apples, which is served hot.

2. Vin Chaud, France

Try asking for mulled wine just beyond the Alpine borders and no one will understand: the French and the Swiss, in fact, call it  vin chaud, simply hot wine. The French version is very similar to the official one but requires the addition of a drop of cognac, which gives a little more character to the drink, in addition to darkening it. It is usually offered with bredele, Alsatian shortbread biscuits.

3. Punch, Great Britain

It could be considered a distant cousin of mulled wine, even if punch does not have a real recipe: each family decides how to make it, based on local tradition. Generally there is a base of water mixed with rum (but also tea and rum), or at most brandy: to this are added citrus peel and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Miller cider could also become part of the large family of hot alcoholic drinks: essentially it is a mulled cider to which brandy and/or whiskey are sometimes added, and which is flavored with sugar, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

The American Variations of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, traditionally a warm and spiced red wine infused with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and honey, has its roots in European holiday traditions. In the United States, this cozy beverage takes on regional twists, reflecting local tastes and ingredients. In colder northern states like Minnesota or Vermont, mulled wine often features robust red wines paired with cranberries or maple syrup, emphasizing hearty, warming flavors.

On the West Coast, where citrus fruits abound, oranges and lemons take center stage, giving the drink a zesty twist. Meanwhile, in the South, sweeter versions might incorporate bourbon or muscadine wine for a uniquely local flair.