The 5 tastiest mulled wines according to Team Fabulous
CHRISTMAS time, mistletoe and (mulled wine) – and we couldn’t be happier when we can smell the first whiffs of the spiced festive favorite everywhere.
But at upwards of £5 a glass at your local pub, it’s much cheaper to buy a bottle from the supermarket so you can enjoy it at home under a heated blanket while watching a Christmas film (thankfully!).
6
Mulled wine is big news this year, with supermarkets rolling out all kinds of interesting twists, from gingerbread flavor to a mulled wine amaretto drink.
There is even a white version, with a hint of pear for a completely different experience.
And the best part is, you can pack a whole bottle for just $3.79!
Bring the Bavarian Market into your home this year, save your pennies and make your whole house smell of sweet, festive spices for total Christmas cheer – here are Team Fabulous’ favourites…
6
Contributing photo editor Ruth Greatrex tested Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer, £27.40 for six bottles – BUY NOW
The idea of mulled wine, with its fragrant promise of Christmas cheer, is wonderful, but I find it too sweet and cloying.
Unfortunately for me it’s an instant headache in a glass, closely followed by red cheeks and a Rudolph-esque nose.
Introducing the alcohol-free version from Devonshire maker Luscombe, which brings all the festive feels to the party, minus the hangover and other boozy side effects.
Devon spring water is expertly blended with organic ingredients, such as cherries and hibiscus, and then infused with all those well-known Christmas spices, such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Not syrupy, it’s refreshingly dry and tangy and is delicious served warmed with a zesty orange, or even turn it up and try it chilled.
6
Deputy editor Danielle Woodward tested Marks & Spencer mulled wine, £6.50 – BUY NOW
I’m a big fan of mulled wine — nothing makes me feel more festive than wrapping my chilled fingers around a steaming mug of hot, spiced beverage.
But since I always had the red wine version, I had no idea what to expect from one white mulled wine.
The label says it’s flavored with pear, vanilla and mulled wine spices, and it tells you to heat it gently on the stove or microwave a mug for a minute – I went for the latter, as I don’t have any felt like finishing a bottle on its own, and added a slice of lemon to bring out the citrus notes.
It was absolutely delicious – like a liquid pear crumble, flavored with cinnamon and with a vanilla cookie aftertaste that was so delicious.
The lemon added a freshness to counteract the sweetness.
The label says to add sugar to taste, but I thought it was sweet enough.
Yes, there is a novelty factor with this one, but it doesn’t disappoint!
6
Beauty writer Mia Lyndon tested Morrisons Winter Warmer Gingerbread Mulled Wine, £4 – BUY NOW
I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for a £4 bottle of mulled wine, but it was delicious.
After heating it on the stove, I drank it warm and it had a full flavor despite no additional spices being added.
The wine has a sweet, caramel-like flavor and a rich, spicy base, but I wouldn’t describe it as gingerbread.
All in all, a delicious mulled wine, perfect for those with a sweet tooth – and as the maker claims, it will indeed “transport the taste buds to a Bavarian bakery”.
6
Food editor Kirsty Spence tested Morrisons Mulled Amaretto, £6 – BUY NOW
If you’re looking for something different, inspired by a new trend at Christmas markets in Germany, this mulled wine amaretto, which is the first to hit the market in the UK, is just the thing.
As soon as news of the launch hit my inbox, I knew it would immediately go to the top of my festive drinks list – and I also knew I’d have to buy extra bottles to satisfy my dad’s sweet tooth at Christmas.
Like the others, this one needs to be warmed before sipping, and will fill the air with sweet, almond scents.
I’ve heard that some fans have added a splash of hot chocolate – and personally I think that’s genius!
6
Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney tested Aldi Cranberry & Clementine Flavor Mulled Wine, £3.79 – BUY NOW
I’m not a big wine drinker – as I get older I find the hangovers too easy – but for mulled wine at Christmas I make an exception!
I’m a big fan of Aldi’s regular mulled wine, but I always spice it up a bit with orange juice, extra red wine and slices of citrus fruit, so I was curious whether this fruity alternative could stand on its own.
I was surprised how different they are: the sweetness of the cranberry is present, but perfectly balanced with the citrus flavor of the clementine.
It filled my kitchen with such a festive smell, even the kids asked for a sip!
Why do stores start selling Christmas stock so early?
Charlotte Harrington, the manager of Summerhill Garden Center in Basildon, Essex, explains: “For many, many years we have opened our Christmas department over the August bank holiday.
“The stock comes in early and we are gradually starting to put it out on the shop floor. This is only a small part of what we have.
“But our Christmas shows are so spectacular that it takes time to set everything up, so we have to start early.
“It may seem a bit strange to put them outside now, especially with the warm weather.
“But we have to plan this far in advance.”
.
