What's all the rage behind mulled wine during winter

When we think of a traditional winter alcoholic beverage or a staple drink around Christmas time, 'mulled wine' automatically pops up in our head. For all of those who have travelled to Europe during winter and been to those beautiful, story-book looking Christmas markets - we've all seen numerous mulled wine stalls and possibly tried it as well. But, why is mulled wine such a vibe in winter?

What exactly is Mulled wine?

Mulled wine, is also known as 'spiced wine', is an alcoholic drink traditionally made with red wine, along with various spices and is served hot or warm.

• So, what exactly does the word 'mull' mean? according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "mull" means to "to heat, sweeten, and flavor (a beverage, such as wine or cider) with spices."
• Mulled wine makes it a perfect drink to enjoy during Christmas holidays and sip on during winter time. 
• Ingredients: typically, red wine is steeped with mulling spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, anise, and nutmeg. Citrus fruits such as oranges, apples, and raisins are sometimes added to the mixture to enhance its flavor.
• Other spices sometimes used are pepper, cardamom, rosemary, and ginger. Whole spices are often preferred.
• To complement the warmth of the spices, certain sweeteners including honey is also added. 
• Origins of mulled wine: the first traces of mulled wine date back to the Roman Empire, and so with the rise and expansion of the Roman Empire across Europe, so too did the consumption of mulled wine. Romans and the Greeks used to heat wine and spices to shield their bodies against the chilly weather. It originated in the 2nd century. 
• Different names of mulled wine: depending on which place you're enjoying your mulled wine from, this wintertime drink goes by a few different names in different countries. In Sweden it's called Glogg, Vin Chaud in France, and it's called Glühwein in Germany.

Health benefits 

Apart from the aroma and flavours that offer a comforting feeling during winter, the spices used in mulled wine, such as cinnamon and cloves, have health benefits, including potential antioxidant properties. 

Social and festive vibe of mulled wine

• For all of those who have travelled to Europe or any other winter destination, they have definitely witnessed mulled wine often being associated with socializing and gathering with friends and family during the winter season.
• It's a beverage that encourages people to come together, share stories, and celebrate special occasions.
• The visual appeal of mulled wine, with its deep red color and garnishes like orange slices and cinnamon sticks, makes it an attractive addition to winter table settings and holiday decorations.

F&B representatives speak

To understand how popular is mulled wine during winter time, dailyO spoke to a spokesperson from Olive Bar and Kitchen, a restaurant in New Delhi, about mulled wine being a winter special. 

• The spokesperson said they make the syrup for the classic mulled wine in advance.
• They add spices including clove, cinnamon, star anise, and orange to their classic mulled wine. They present the drink with a cinnamon stick to their customers.
• He also said that the classic mulled wine is one of their three signature cocktails offered to customers during winter time. 
• He further added, "customers order classic mulled wine both during lunch and dinner time, and it is their best selling beverage in winter time."

What's more interesting is that 1911 Bar, in The Imperial hotel in New Delhi told dailyO that since most of their customers are foreigners, they enjoy and prefer the taste of Indian wine such as 'Sula'. They said that, "they make mulled wine on request." 

Rick's, a lounge at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi told dailyO:

• The spokesperson from Rick's said that mulled wine is something that customers start ordering November onwards, when it starts getting chilly.
• Rick's curates a special winter beverage menu where they offer different types of mulled wines, and if someone orders their classic, authentic mulled - it takes approximately 30 minutes to make it.
• The spokesperson also added that people generally order mulled wine because they associate it with pop culture - they want to feel the Christmas-y and winter vibe that one might feel when they're in Europe or just out a Christmas story book. (a preference for this wine can also be something that people might have taken up from Hollywood Christmas-themed movies)

Mulled wine offers a combination of sensory pleasures, tradition, and a sense of warmth and community that make it a beloved winter drink for many people. Since winter is around the corner, would you try mulled wine?