With the festive season just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your Christmas gatherings, and nothing brings warmth and cheer to a winter party quite like mulled wine! At House of Townend, the multi-award-winning, family-run wine merchant established in Yorkshire over a century ago, wine is a passion that has been passed down through four generations. Known for selecting the finest wines from quality-led, often family-owned estates, House of Townend combines a love of traditional wines with an eye for emerging trends.
Wine sales are booming at Christmastime, with over 75% of Brits planning to enjoy a glass over their festive dinner last year. Red wine and Prosecco remain popular choices, but mulled wine is a true seasonal classic, with its Instagram hashtag hitting over 833,000 posts! And while red mulled wine reigns supreme, mulled white wine is quickly gaining popularity, inspired by festive German markets and its lighter, refreshing profile.
Whether you’re after the cosy familiarity of a classic mulled red or want to surprise your guests with a sparkling mulled wine spritzer, these recipes from House of Townend are guaranteed to be the talk of the season. Here are six delicious mulled wine recipes to keep your Christmas spirits high and your guests warm and happy.
1. Classic Mulled Wine
A cosy, traditional recipe that captures the heart of Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 750ml bottle of red wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 2 strips lemon zest
- 4 tbsp caster sugar
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pan. Heat gently for 10 minutes without boiling.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes to infuse.
- Reheat to serving temperature and pour into heatproof glasses.
Hannah says: “This is my family’s classic recipe – the smell and taste are Christmas in a glass!”
2. White Mulled Wine
A lighter, fruitier twist for a refreshing change.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of white wine (medium-dry works best)
- 500ml light cider
- 150ml elderflower cordial
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla pod, split
- 4–5 tbsp caster sugar
Method:
- Combine ingredients in a large pan and heat until steaming, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into heatproof glasses and keep any left over warm for refills.
Gavin says: “White mulled wine pairs beautifully with salty snacks or cheese – it’s a great lighter option.”
3. Mulled Rosé
A spicy, soft take on mulled wine that’s sure to kickstart your party.
Ingredients:
- 750ml rosé wine
- 1 star anise
- 1 ball stem ginger, sliced
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- 5 allspice berries
- ¼ pink grapefruit, sliced
- 2 tbsp crème de cassis
Method:
- Combine wine with all ingredients except crème de cassis in a large pan. Simmer gently.
- Stir in crème de cassis, strain, and serve warm in heatproof glasses.
Hannah says: “The spice mix in this mulled rosé gives it a delightful festive twist.”
4. Cherry & Orange Mulled Wine
For a bolder mulled wine with a citrusy twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of fruity Cabernet
- 250ml brandy
- 250ml orange juice
- 1 orange, studded with 10 cloves
- 240g pitted cherries
- 2 star anise
- 3 cardamom pods, bruised
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 lemon peel strips
Method:
- Place clove-studded orange, spices, brandy, cherries, sugar, and peel in a large pan. Cover with wine.
- Simmer until sugar dissolves, then boil for 5 minutes to create a syrup.
- Add remaining wine and orange juice. Simmer, then serve warm in glasses.
Gavin says: “It’s a bit more work, but the cherry and orange flavours make it worth it!”
5. Pear & Vanilla Mulled Wine
A sweet and delicate mulled wine with white wine and pear.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of dry white wine
- 1 ripe pear, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger (or more, for extra kick)
- Splash of water
- 1 vanilla bean (or vanilla bean paste)
- Dash of whole allspice
- Few green cardamom pods
- Glug of Cointreau
- Honey, to taste
Method:
- Blend pear, ginger, and water until smooth. Simmer with vanilla, allspice, and cardamom.
- Cool for 10 minutes, strain, then add wine and Cointreau. Sweeten with honey to taste.
- Warm through and serve in glasses garnished with a pear slice.
Hannah says: “Perfect for those with a sweet tooth – and a little indulgent!”
6. Mulled Wine Spritzer
A refreshing and sparkly twist on the classic mulled wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 150ml water
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 bottle of lemonade
- Ice and frozen raspberries, to serve
Method:
- Heat all ingredients except lemonade, ice, and raspberries in a pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and cool completely.
- Serve in tall glasses with ice, raspberries, and a lemonade top-up.
Hannah says: “This is my go-to for a sparkly, refreshing mulled wine – perfect for all-night celebrations!”
So, there you have it! Six mulled wine recipes to make your Christmas 2024 memorable. Which one will you be trying first?
