During winter, there’s nothing better than the simple pleasure of sipping a warm glass of mulled wine, allowing this warming spiced spirit to envelop you from the inside out.
Mulled wine has its roots deep in Europe’s wintry history and has been a solace for me and Ingrid during the chilliest days, or nights, for that matter!
From the bustling markets of Berlin to the cosy homes of England, the best mulled wines have brought cheer and warmth to countless souls for generations.
- Best Mulled Wines
- 1. Three Mills Traditional Mulled Wine
- 2. Lyme Bay Mulled Wine Fruit Wine
- 3. Loimu Strong White Mulled Wine
- 4. Lindisfarne Mulled Wine
- 5. GLOW 21 Mulled Honey Wine
- 6. Crabbies Mulled Ginger Wine
- 7. Felix Solis Glühwein Mulled Wine
- 8. Schmitt Söhne Glühwein
- 9. Harvey Nichols Mulled Wine
- 10. Waitrose Mulled Wine Spain
- Ingrid’s Top Pick
- How To Serve Mulled Wine (My 5 Top Tips)
- Mulled Wine Food Pairing Ideas
- Conclusion
- References
- Further Reading
Best Mulled Wines
The best mulled wines are expertly crafted to provide warmth, spice, and everything nice for your winter festivities. Here are 10 to try.
1. Three Mills Traditional Mulled Wine
Overview
- Winery: Broadland Drinks
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
A classic rendition, Three Mills Mulled Wine pays homage to the age-old tradition of mulling while infusing a contemporary flair that’s both inviting and nostalgic.
On The Nose
Aromas of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg beckon.
On The Palate
Warm spices of cinnamon and cloves dance on the palate, intertwined with zesty orange, hints of red fruits and a gentle sweetness.
Best Served
Warm, with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick. Or, in a cheeky Mulled Wine Spritz.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Lyme Bay Mulled Wine Fruit Wine
Overview
- Winery: Lyme Bay Winery
- ABV: 5.5% (11 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Lyme Bay, with its coastal heritage, crafts a mulled wine, evoking the sense of a warm, serene sunset over winter ocean waves with every sip.
On The Nose
Ripe berries with a hint of nutmeg.
On The Palate
A rich tapestry of mouthwatering red fruits such as elderberry and damson, laced with spices and a touch of vanilla. Comforting and warming.
Best Served
Hot, garnished with cranberries and a shot of Metaxa brandy. Or stirred into a Spiced Wine Punch.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Loimu Strong White Mulled Wine
Overview
- Winery: Lignell & Piispanen
- ABV: 15% (30 Proof)
- Country: Finland
- Colour: White
Review
This Finnish mulled wine offers a unique twist with its fortified white wine base, marrying Nordic traditions with the classic mulling spices.
On The Nose
Raspberries and aromatic cardamom stand out.
On The Palate
Sweet raspberry notes contrast with warm spices and a fortified wine base, creating a harmonious blend that’s both invigorating and comforting.
Best Served
My recommendation is to serve this white mulled wine warm with a slice of orange. Or try it in a vibrant Sangria.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Lindisfarne Mulled Wine
Overview
- Winery: Lindisfarne
- ABV: 13.5% (27 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Hailing from the Holy Island, Lindisfarne offers a mulled wine that carries whispers of its spiritual heritage and rich history. Dare I say, Christmas in a bottle?
On The Nose
Red fruits mingling with cinnamon.
On The Palate
A deep warmth of ripe berries intertwined with a kaleidoscope of festive spices, a touch of honey and a deliciously warming brandy finish.
Best Served
For a festive tipple, serve this delicious mulled wine hot with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. GLOW 21 Mulled Honey Wine
Overview
- Winery: Loxwood Meadworks
- ABV: 11% (22 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Marrying the ancient art of mead-making with mulling, Loxwood presents a honeyed potion blending delicious mead with festive spices.
On The Nose
Sweet honey with ginger and cinnamon.
On The Palate
The rich sweetness of honey joins forces with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger with a warming lemony vanilla finish.
Best Served
Serve this honed delight warm with a cinnamon stick and some lemon peel for garnish.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Crabbies Mulled Ginger Wine
Overview
- Winery: John Crabbie & Co.
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Crabbies, with its ginger prowess, crafts a mulled wine that’s spicy by combining the zing of ginger with the comforting warmth of rich fruits and wine.
On The Nose
Ginger warmth with a hint of orange zest.
On The Palate
The fiery kick of ginger from the start, mulling spices mid-palate, and citrusy undertones on the rich finish.
Best Served
Serve hot, garnished with the customary cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for added citrus zest. I also recommend adding an anise star for a liquorice tang.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Felix Solis Glühwein Mulled Wine
Overview
- Winery: Felix Solis S.L.
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: Spain
- Colour: Red
Review
Drawing from German traditions, Felix Solis creates a Glühwein that transports you straight to a bustling Christmas market.
On The Nose
Red fruits, cinnamon, cloves.
On The Palate
A well-balanced blend of sweet red fruits, spices, and a hint of zest. This is pure festive joy.
Best Served
Serve warm with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a slice of your favourite citrus fruit. A roaring fire and comfy chair are optional!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Schmitt Söhne Glühwein
Overview
- Winery: Schmitt Sohne
- ABV: 8.5% (17 Proof)
- Country: Germany
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Schmitt Söhne, a renowned German winery with a rich heritage, presents its Glühwein, a luscious blend of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
On The Nose
Cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and citrus zest.
On The Palate
A fruity red wine opening leads to festive spices such as cinnamon, cloves and star anise mid-palate. The finish reveals warming vanilla and burnt sugar.
Best Served
This mulled wine is best served gently warmed in a robust mug. I recommend trying it with a slice of orange.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Harvey Nichols Mulled Wine
Overview
- Winery: Harvey Nichols
- ABV: 10.5% (21 Proof)
- Country: Germany
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Harvey Nichols crafts an organic mulled wine using a blend of spices and red wines from the German regions of Pfalz and Zellertal Rheinhessen.
On The Nose
Red fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves.
On The Palate
Notes of ripe berries, warm festive spices such as cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, with a subtle peppery kick that adds a delightful twist.
Best Served
Serve this German red wine blend warm, garnished with a slice of orange and a dusting of nutmeg.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Waitrose Mulled Wine Spain
Overview
- Winery: Waitrose
- ABV: 11% (22 Proof)
- Country: Spain
- Colour: Burgundy
Review
Waitrose, with its commitment to quality, presents a Spanish-inspired mulled wine that boasts citrus, spice and all things festive.
On The Nose
Dark fruits with a whiff of cinnamon.
On The Palate
A tantalising blend of Spanish red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of citrus that leads to a rich and sherry fruity finish.
Best Served
Serve this mulled wine warm, with a twist of orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Maybe even a cheeks anise star if you fancy.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Schmitt Söhne Glühwein Mulled Wine
My pick of the best mulled wines is Schmitt Söhne Glühwein Mulled Wine due to its well-balanced blend of rich wine, spices such as cinnamon and cloves, plus that citrus edge.
How To Serve Mulled Wine (My 5 Top Tips)
Like most things, I find that serving mulled wine is a bit of a knack to ensure you get the rich taste and aromatic spices without any burnt flavours.
- Pour your bottle of red wine or mulled wine into a saucepan and begin gently heating, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
- If you are using red wine (rather than mulled wine), add spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices, and serve the wine in heat-resistant glasses or mugs.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, slice of orange, or even a single anise star for an extra festive touch.
- It’s crucial to maintain your remaining mulled wine at a constant temperature, so keep your saucepan on a low setting (with a lid) when serving at gatherings.
Mulled Wine Food Pairing Ideas
It’s not just mince pies that pair well with mulled wine. Here are 10 more food suggestions that work incredibly well with the festive spiciness and fruitiness of mulled wine.
No. | Food | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Baked Brie | Creamy brie cheese topped with cranberry sauce or honey, wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. |
2 | Roasted Nuts | A mixture of nuts roasted with herbs and spices. |
3 | Dark Chocolate | High-quality dark chocolate or truffles. |
4 | Grilled Sausages | Various types of sausages grilled to perfection. |
5 | Blue Cheese | A strong and tangy blue cheese. |
6 | Caramelized Onions | Onions slowly cooked until they are sweet and jammy. |
7 | Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of cheese, garlic, and herbs. |
8 | Spiced Cakes | Cakes made with winter spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. |
9 | Charcuterie Board | An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and fruits. |
10 | Apple Pie | A classic apple pie with a flaky crust and spiced apple filling. |
Conclusion
In closing, the world of mulled wines is as varied as it is delightful. From traditional brews to unique twists, there’s a warm, spiced glass for everyone.
Also Read: 8 Best Advocaat Brands: A Festive Taste of Tradition
As the nights draw in and the temperature dips, let’s raise a toast to the best mulled wines that make winter a season to truly savour, even if you are shivering outside to get the full effect!
Also Read: 7 Stunning Madeira Wines From Portugal
References
wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulled_wine |
bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/mulled-wine |
thespruceeats.com/what-is-star-anise-1328525 |
masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cinnamon-sticks |
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.