Hot wine, or Mulled wine, as you prefer to describe it is a very traditional beverage in certain countries such as Germany, Austria, or France, where it was served in the Alps since the 19th century. This very traditional wine is majority drunk during this time of the year.
I remember when I went to Vienna once when I was younger, while traveling across the city streets, we often encountered some caravans that served this typical wine. I looked like we were on a street food festival, but that only served hot wine and other few gastronomical delicacies, under the snow and extreme cold. No one bothered with that. And you know why? Because of the Mulled Wine.
What is Mulled Wine? Is it different then Hot Wine?
Mulled Wine, is a Hot Wine that is spiced. Drunk in several countries in the world, this wine has certainly warmed some hearts all over the world. So, since winter is coming and so is Christmas, there is no better time to review a bit of this delicious, but different, kind of wine.
According to the official Cambridge definition, Hot Mulled wine is wine heated with added sugar and spices, drunk warm as a traditional winter drink mostly in the Scandinavian countries like Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, but is also reputed in other countries such as Austria or France. This traditional alcoholic drink is usually drunk during winter festivals or Christhmas.
As far as I am concerned, Mulled wine is a Hot spiced wine. So they are no different.
Mulled Wine: A quick review on its traditions
It is claimed that Mulled wine has first appeared in the 2nd century, created by Romans. However, its use was not as we are used to. Romans would use hot wine to warm up their bodies in the winter. Romans have conquered a long empire, and, their love for mulled wine was spread all over the kingdom.
During Middle Ages, Mulled Wine has gained popularity in the European world. Howver, this came with an upgrade. Europeans mixed up hot wine with spices because they believed it would make people healthier. There are no specific spices that were recognized to be added at that time, any herb and flower that would sweeten the wine would serve.
Since Middle Age, Mulled Wine has changed a lot. However, its essence has been maintained. Traditionally, it was drunken during the winter for all these years, as a way to warm people off. But, in 1890 Mulled Wine became associated to Christmas, every merchant had their recipe but all personalized the bottles with Santa Claus on them.
That is why today, Mulled Wine is so popular. Otherwise, it would have probably be forgotten in the Middle Age. With a fast-growing popularity, Mulled Wine is now known all over the world, and, every country has been creating their own and unique blends.
