What is Mulled Wine? Everything You Need to Know
If you've ever caught a waft of warm cinnamon and spice on a cold winter's evening and thought "what on earth is that?" — this is the post for you.
Mulled wine is one of those drinks that's hard to explain and impossible to forget. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is red wine that has been gently heated and infused with warming spices and citrus. The result is a rich, aromatic drink that's served warm — and once you've had your first glass on a cold night, you'll completely understand why it's been popular for over two thousand years.
The word "mulled" simply means heated and spiced. The core ingredients are always the same: red wine, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange and a touch of sweetness. Beyond that, every culture — and every cook — puts their own spin on it.
Where Does Mulled Wine Come From?
The tradition of warming and spicing wine dates back to the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers heated wine with spices and honey to ward off the cold during long winter campaigns — and as the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did the habit.
By the Middle Ages, spiced wine had become a symbol of warmth and hospitality across the continent. It was believed to have medicinal properties, and was served at markets, festivals and gatherings throughout the winter months.
Today the tradition lives on across the world — just with different names.
What Do Different Countries Call Mulled Wine?
One of the most interesting things about mulled wine is how universal it is — every culture seems to have its own version:
Glühwein — Germany and Austria. The most well-known international name, translating as "glow wine." Traditionally served at Christmas markets in ceramic mugs.
Vin Chaud — France. Literally "hot wine." A staple of French alpine resorts and Christmas markets, often made with a splash of brandy.
Vin Brulé — Italy. Similar to Vin Chaud, often with the addition of grappa.
Glögi / Glögg — Scandinavia. A slightly sweeter, stronger version, sometimes made with aquavit or vodka and served with almonds and raisins.
Glintwein — Russia and Eastern Europe. A robust, warming version popular through the harsh winter months.
Wassail — England. A very old English tradition of spiced cider or ale, pre-dating the modern wine version.
In Australia, mulled wine goes simply by its English name — though you'll increasingly see "Glühwein" on menus at European-style Christmas markets and alpine resorts, particularly in the Victorian High Country.
Feuerzangenbowle — Germany.
The dramatic showstopper of the mulled wine world. A large rum-soaked sugar cone is suspended over a pot of spiced red wine and set alight — the caramelised rum drips slowly into the wine below, creating an intensely rich, slightly smoky, deeply spiced drink unlike anything else. It's a spectacular centrepiece at any winter gathering.
Learn how to create your own Feuerzangenbowle!
We're incredibly excited to announce that for the first time ever in Australia, we'll be offering a limited edition run of Zucker Huts for Feuerzangenbowle. Watch this space. 🔥
Want to be first to know about our limited edition Zucker Hut Feuerzangenbowle sugar cone? Notify me.
What Does Mulled Wine Taste Like?
The best way to describe mulled wine is warm, spiced and comforting — like a hug in a mug. Often it's described as liquid Christmas pudding!
The base wine provides body and depth, while the spices add warmth and complexity. Cinnamon gives it sweetness and backbone. Cloves add intensity. Star anise provides a gentle anise warmth. Orange and apple brightens everything and lifts the whole drink.
The result is something that tastes both familiar and exotic — deeply warming, beautifully aromatic and unlike anything else you'll drink in winter.
Had a bad experience?
It should never taste overly sweet, overly boozy or medicinal. If it does, the spice ratios are off or they've added too much "filler" ingredients like orange juice and brandy.
Unfortunately, mulled wine served at many Christmas markets and large events — including well-known Australian festivals like Vivid and Bastille Day — is often made in bulk with little attention to balance. Thousands of people have poured their cup out after the first sip and written off mulled wine entirely.
Please don't let those experiences put you off. At our expos and markets, we've personally convinced thousands of skeptical customers to give it one more chance — and the reaction is always the same. Eyes wide, genuinely surprised, asking where they can buy it. That's what properly made mulled wine does.
Made with the right wine and a balanced spice blend, it's an entirely different drink — and one of the most enjoyable things you can pour on a cold night.
What Are the Key Mulled Wine Ingredients?
A classic mulled wine is built from:
Red wine — the foundation. A fruit-forward, medium-bodied red works best. Think Shiraz, Merlot or Malbec. Avoid heavily tannic or oaked wines. See our recommended pairings.
Cinnamon — the backbone of the blend. Use whole sticks for the best result.
Nutmeg — warm and slightly sweet.
Cloves — intensely aromatic. Use sparingly — three or four is guideplenty.
Star anise — adds subtle, distinctive warmth.
Cardamon — optional because it's very polarising for most palates.
Orange — fresh slices or peel add brightness and citrus lift.
Apple — fresh slices add soft, subtle fruit notes that round out the blend beautifully.
Sugar, honey or maple syrup — a small amount to balance the spice and wine acidity.
Getting the ratios right is the difference between a transcendent mulled wine and a bitter, medicinal one. Too many cloves and it becomes overwhelming. Too little cinnamon and it tastes flat. The wrong wine and the whole thing falls apart.
How Do You Make Mulled Wine?
Making good mulled wine from scratch is an art — it does require sourcing and measuring individual spices, which can be fiddly.
The basic method is:
- Pour a bottle of red wine into a pot
- Add your spices and fruit slices
- Heat gently over low-medium heat for 20-25 minutes — never boiling
- Sweeten to taste
- Strain and serve warm
For a detailed recipe with exact quantities, check out our Mulled Wine Recipe.
Or, if you want a perfectly balanced result without the measuring and guesswork, our Mulled Wine Spiced Bags have the blend dialed in for you — just drop one into your wine, heat and enjoy.
Is Mulled Wine Always Red?
No — white mulled wine is also delicious, though less common.
White Mulled Wine (Weißer Glühwein) is made with a dry white wine like Riesling or Pinot Gris. The result is lighter and more delicate than the red version, with a beautiful floral quality. It's particularly popular in Germany and Austria.
Mulled Cider is another popular alternative — apple or pear cider heated with spices produces a gorgeous fruit-forward drink that's every bit as warming as the wine version. Our Mulled Cider Spiced Bags are blended specifically for cider.
Can You Make Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine?
Absolutely — and it's genuinely delicious.
Use a good quality dealcoholised red wine or a rich grape and cranberry juice blend. The same spices, the same method — the result is warming, aromatic and completely family friendly.
The spices and heat do so much of the work that you honestly don't miss the alcohol. It's one of the most naturally non-alcoholic-friendly drinks you can make.
Is Mulled Wine Served Hot or Cold?
It's delicious both ways!
Traditionally mulled wine is served warm — between 60°C and 70°C is ideal. Hot enough to warm your hands on the glass but not so hot it burns your mouth.
That said, when chilled and poured over ice it becomes the most deluxe Sangria you've ever had. Particularly in warmer climates like Australia where a hot drink in December doesn't always appeal — this is a revelation. Try it once and you'll never look back.
Is Mulled Wine Popular in Australia?
Increasingly, yes. Mulled wine used to be confined to ski lodge menus in the Victorian Alps — but in recent years it's become a genuine winter staple across the country.
We're seeing it on menus at wine bars, clubs, pubs and specialty venues more than ever before — and many of them are serving it made with our spiced bags. If you've had a mulled wine or cider at a venue and thought "that's incredible" — there's a good chance one of our bags was behind it.
Want to find a venue serving Mulled Beverages near you? Check our stockist map. And if you're a venue operator interested in serving our mulled wine or cider, visit our Distribution and Retail page to find out more.
At Mulled Beverages, we're proud to be part of bringing that tradition to Australian homes and venues — with spiced infuser bags made with premium spices and Australian fruits that make perfect mulled wine effortless. And with Australia's growing interest in winter entertaining and cosy seasonal rituals, the tradition has found a very enthusiastic new home.
Ready to Try It?
Now that you know what mulled wine is, the only thing left is to try it for yourself.
Grab a bottle of your favourite red, pick up a Mulled Beverages Red Wine Spiced Bag and you'll have a perfect mulled wine ready in minutes.
Share your mulled wine moments with us on Instagram @mulledbeverages 🍷