Mulled wine is warm, spiced wine, usually red wine, with sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and bitter orange added. The spices should steep in the warm wine for at least an hour, and the mulled wine is heated to 60-70 degrees, so never left to boil.
Contents
When the cold sets in and Christmas draws near, mulled wine is one of the drinks that naturally belongs for many people. But what actually is mulled wine, and how do you get the right balance between sweetness, spices and warmth, without the wine becoming bitter or losing its aroma?
Here you'll find answers to what mulled wine is, which ingredients belong in it, and how to make it step by step, whether you want to stick to the classic red version or try white or alcohol-free mulled wine.
The short answer
Mulled wine is warm, spiced wine, most often red wine, with sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and bitter orange added. The spices are mixed into the wine and left to steep, while the wine is kept between 60 and 70 degrees, so well below boiling point. The longer the spices steep, the stronger the flavour becomes, and the mulled wine is heated up again just before serving.
What is mulled wine
The word gløgg comes from the Swedish glögg, which in turn stems from the older glödg and the verb glödga, meaning to heat up. In Danish, the drink was originally called glødet vin, written glødg. Warm, spiced wine is known as far back as antiquity, but it wasn't until towards the end of the 1800s that mulled wine really became a Christmas tradition. Around the year 1900, Swedish spirits manufacturers began putting colourful labels featuring Christmas elves on the mulled wine bottles, which tied the drink even more closely to Christmas.
Mulled wine has siblings in other countries. In Germany it's called Glühwein, in France vin chaud, and in the English-speaking world mulled wine. They all cover the same principle: wine that's heated and spiced, so it becomes warm and aromatic to drink in the cold season.
The ingredients in homemade mulled wine
Mulled wine is built on a few, but important, ingredients. The foundation is red wine, sugar and a handful of spices. The most common spices are cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and bitter orange. Some also add a bit of stronger spirit such as vodka, aquavit, rum or brandy to give the mulled wine more kick.
There's no fixed recipe for how much of each spice to use, it's about tasting as you go and finding the balance you like. If you want a sweeter and milder mulled wine, use more sugar and fewer spices. If you prefer something stronger and warmer in flavour, increase the amount of ginger and cloves.
If you use the peel of citrus fruits such as bitter orange in the mulled wine, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration recommends choosing organic or untreated citrus fruits, so you avoid residues from surface treatment in the peel.
Tip: Always use organic or untreated citrus fruits when using the peel in mulled wine, so you avoid residues from surface treatment.
How to make mulled wine step by step
- Mix the spices and sugar into the wine in a pot.
- Slowly heat the mixture to between 60 and 70 degrees. Don't let it boil, as both the aroma and flavour disappear if the wine gets too hot.
- Take the pot off the heat, and let the mulled wine steep for at least an hour, preferably longer, so the spices have time to release their flavour fully.
- Strain out the spices, and heat the mulled wine up again to the same temperature, just before it's to be served.
The longer the spices are left to steep, the stronger the flavour becomes. Taste along the way, and adjust with more sugar or extra spices if the mulled wine needs sharpening up.
White mulled wine and alcohol-free mulled wine
If you'd like to try something other than the classic red mulled wine, you can make white mulled wine by replacing the red wine with white wine. The method is the same, the spices steep in the warm wine, and the temperature is kept between 60 and 70 degrees. There are also variants where fortified wine such as port or Madeira is used instead of ordinary table wine, giving a richer and sweeter mulled wine.
If the mulled wine is to be alcohol-free, you can use fruit or berry juice instead of wine, often blackcurrant juice, or you can choose an alcohol-free wine as the base. The principle is the same no matter which liquid you start with: the spices need time to steep, and the mixture is heated without boiling.
Here's an overview of the different kinds of mulled wine, and what sets them apart.
| Variant | Base | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Red mulled wine | Red wine | The classic, spiced version |
| White mulled wine | White wine | Same method as red mulled wine |
| Mulled wine with fortified wine | Port or Madeira | Richer and sweeter |
| Alcohol-free mulled wine | Fruit or berry juice, often blackcurrant juice, or alcohol-free wine | Same principle without alcohol |
Accompaniments for mulled wine
Raisins and blanched almonds traditionally go with mulled wine, and they're added straight into the cup along with the hot drink. You can also set them out in small bowls on the side, so guests can help themselves to whatever they fancy. Ginger biscuits are another classic accompaniment that go well with the spiced flavour of the mulled wine.
In Denmark, æbleskiver (Danish pancake puffs) are a staple at the mulled wine table. They're served warm, dusted with icing sugar and with strawberry jam on the side, and they're often enjoyed together with a glass of mulled wine.
Find small bowls for raisins and almonds, so your guests can help themselves at the mulled wine table.
See sweet bowlsHow to serve mulled wine
Mulled wine is traditionally drunk from small cups, not large mugs, as the drink has a strong flavour and is best enjoyed in smaller portions. You can pour the mulled wine straight from the pot, or pour it into a jug and serve it at the table, so guests can top themselves up.
If you'd like to know more about which cups and jugs suit hot drinks, take a look at our guides on ceramic cups and jugs for every occasion.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make mulled wine?
You mix spices and sugar into the wine, heat it to 60-70 degrees without letting it boil, and leave it to infuse for at least an hour, preferably longer, before heating it up again and serving.
What goes into homemade mulled wine?
The basic ingredients are red wine, sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and bitter orange peel. Some people also add vodka, aquavit, rum or brandy.
What is white mulled wine?
White mulled wine is made the same way as ordinary mulled wine, but with white wine instead of red wine. There are also variants with fortified wine such as port or Madeira.
Should mulled wine boil?
No, mulled wine should be heated to between 60 and 70 degrees and must not boil, as both the flavour and aroma disappear if it gets too hot.
What do you serve with mulled wine?
Traditionally, raisins and blanched almonds are served in the cup, along with gingerbread biscuits. In Denmark, Danish pancake puffs with icing sugar and strawberry jam also belong to the tradition.
Can you make mulled wine without alcohol?
Yes, alcohol-free mulled wine is made with fruit or berry juice, often blackcurrant juice, or with alcohol-free wine instead of ordinary wine.
Summary
Mulled wine is warm, spiced wine with sugar and spices that needs to steep and be gently heated so the flavour becomes rounded without turning bitter. Whether you choose red, white or alcohol-free mulled wine, the principle is the same, and with raisins, almonds, gingerbread biscuits and pancake puffs on the side, the mulled wine table is ready for Christmas.
Read also
- Ceramic cups: From morning coffee to cosy moments
- Jugs for every occasion: From coffee to cocktails
- Christmas table setting: how to set the Christmas table
- How to create cosiness with candlelight
- Hot cocoa: make it with cocoa powder or chocolate
- Christmas lunch menu: the classic menu and good planning
- Almond gift: ideas for adults, children and the family
Get ready for the mulled wine table
Find cups and jugs that suit mulled wine and Christmas cosiness, and see the full range for the Christmas table.
See Christmas table