The word "mulled" means heated and spiced. Various different drinks have traditionally been mulled: wine, cider, and mead are common examples. Today, mulled wine is the best known.

Mulled wine is an ancient drink (written recipes date back to Roman times) which has survived to modern times. It is known in many countries. In France it is known as "vin chaud" (hot wine), in Germany as "Glühwein" (glowing wine), in Italy as "vin brulé" (burnt wine), in Poland "Grzane Wino" (heated wine), in Slovakia "Varené vino" (boiled wine), in Hungary "Forralt bor" (boiled wine). The international popularity and long history of this drink is due to:

• It is an enjoyable drink and provides an alternative flavour to other drinks.
• Being warm, it is particularly enjoyable on a cold day (or evening). For this reason it is generally served in winter. Nowadays, it is mainly served around the Christmas period as a festive drink.
• In olden days, if wine had gone off, it could still be made into a palatable drink by heating it with spices and honey. Nowadays, an inferior wine can still be used to make a reasonable tasting mulled wine.

If you are looking for recipes for mulled drinks, please use our search facility to get a list of recipes.