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Few drinks capture the spirit of winter quite like mulled wine. Aromatic, spiced, and deeply comforting, it has become a staple of Christmas markets, festive gatherings, and cosy December evenings. But the story of mulled wine stretches far beyond modern holiday traditions — its origins reach deep into ancient history, evolving over centuries through culture, commerce, and culinary creativity.
Ancient Beginnings: The Romans and Their Spiced Wine
The earliest known form of mulled wine dates back to ancient Rome, where wine was a daily staple and often enhanced with herbs, spices, and heat. Romans heated wine for both flavour and health, believing warm, spiced wine aided digestion and protected against illness.
As the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, so did their culinary habits. They brought their love of conditum paradoxum — a spiced wine made with pepper, honey, saffron, and dates — to the regions they conquered, laying the foundation for mulled wine traditions across the continent.
Medieval Europe: A Beverage of Celebration and Medicine
In the Middle Ages, wine quality was inconsistent, especially in northern climates where production was difficult. Spices, herbs, and sweeteners became popular ways to mask sourness and preserve wine.
Mulled wine evolved during this period into a warming, restorative drink. Medieval physicians often recommended it as a tonic to:
- improve digestion
- ward off colds
- balance bodily humours
- promote general wellbeing
Spiced wine was associated with feasting and hospitality during the colder months. Wealthy households used imported luxury spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves — a sign of affluence as the spice trade flourished.
It was during this era that mulled wine became intertwined with winter celebrations, especially around Yuletide and Christmas.
The Renaissance to 18th Century: Recipes Spread Across Europe
By the Renaissance, mulled wine was firmly established in European culinary culture. Each region developed its own variation:
- Germany created Glühwein, adding citrus and sugar.
- Nordic countries developed glögg, often with almonds, raisins, and an extra shot of spirits.
- France embraced vin chaud, a simple, warming blend of red wine and spices.
- Britain created festive punches and wassail drinks, blending wine, ale, and spices into communal bowls at winter feasts.
Cookbooks from the era include numerous recipes for spiced, heated wines, often with elaborate combinations of herbs, fruits, and sweeteners.
Victorian England: Mulled Wine Meets Christmas Tradition
Though mulled wine remained popular, it was the Victorians who cemented its link with Christmas — in part thanks to Charles Dickens.
In A Christmas Carol, Dickens writes about “Smoking Bishop,” a famous British variant of mulled wine made with port, red wine, citrus, and spices. This festive drink captured the public imagination and helped establish mulled wine as a Victorian holiday tradition.
Victorian cooks also popularised variations such as:
- Negus — mulled wine with port, sugar, and water
- Wassail bowls — communal mulled drinks with ale or cider
These beverages supported a culture of carolling, communal toasting, and winter merriment.
Modern Day: A Global Symbol of Winter Warmth
Today, mulled wine is enjoyed worldwide and has become a seasonal icon, especially across Europe’s Christmas markets. Each country still proudly preserves its unique style:
- Germany and Austria’s Glühwein, sometimes with a shot of rum (mit Schuss)
- Scandinavia’s intensely aromatic glögg
- Eastern Europe’s bold, berry-infused versions
- Britain’s classic red wine mulled with citrus and spices
Modern recipes remain faithful to ancient principles: wine, heat, spice, and a touch of sweetness.
Mulled wine has also expanded into creative variations, including:
- white wine mulled wine
- mulled cider
- non-alcoholic spiced juices
- rosé or sparkling wine versions
Yet its essence remains untouched — a drink that warms from the inside out.
Why Mulled Wine Endures
Mulled wine’s long-lasting appeal is rooted in:
- Comfort — warmth and spice provide instant cosiness
- Tradition — centuries of festive association
- Fragrance — few drinks smell as inviting
- Versatility — endless variations, from classic to contemporary
It is a drink that transcends time, culture, and borders.
A Toast Across the Ages
From Roman soldiers warming their wine by the fire to modern Christmas markets glowing with lights and cinnamon, mulled wine has travelled through centuries as a symbol of winter celebration. Rich with history and flavour, it continues to bring people together — one fragrant cup at a time.
