mulled wine for Christmas bbq

Warm up your Christmas BBQ with the perfect mulled wine recipe

Mulled wine, often called “liquid Christmas in a mug,” is more than a drink. It’s an invitation to embrace the cosy, festive charm of the Algarve’s winter season. This beloved classic warms the spirit with every sip, combining rich wine with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Whether you’re kicking off your holiday traditions by the fireplace, catching up with friends on a crisp evening, or wandering through festive Algarve markets, a glass of homemade mulled wine is the perfect companion. Here in the Algarve, where the holiday spirit meets the mild coastal winter, mulled wine is a delicious addition to any celebration – it’s our way of bringing warmth to the heart of every gathering.

In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know to make the perfect mulled wine. Plus, we’ll answer your FAQs, like how to store it and which spices to use for an authentic taste of holiday magic. So get ready to turn up the heat on your holiday traditions and enjoy the Algarve’s twist on this wintertime favourite.

Mulled wine recipe

In the heart of winter, there’s nothing like gathering with friends around a warm, crackling fire to set the festive mood. A fire basket is an absolute winter essential for those chilly Algarve evenings, creating the perfect setting for reconnecting with loved ones. This year, make the experience even better by serving this delicious seasonal drink.

Looking to make the ultimate homemade mulled wine? Delight your guests with this effortless, festive recipe, brimming with cosy, warming spices that capture the season’s spirit.

What you need

  • 750ml of red wine
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 small ones)
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 4 cloves
  • A strip of lemon zest, pared with a vegetable peeler
  • 4 tablespoons of caster sugar

Directions:

  1. Combine the red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest, and sugar in a large saucepan.
  2. Simmer gently on low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavours blend.
  3. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool, allowing it to infuse for about 30 minutes.
  4. When ready to serve, reheat gently without boiling.
  5. Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses for a perfect holiday sip.

Choosing the right wine for mulled wine

While mulled wine, also known as gluhwein or spiced wine, is a great way to use up everyday bottles, remember that only some are mulled wine material. For best results, skip the bottom-shelf varieties, but there is no need to splurge either! A Merlot is an ideal choice, offering soft, fruit-forward notes that pair perfectly with warming spices. Other dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, or Grenache work beautifully, too—just ask your wine expert for their top pick.

How to heat mulled wine

To gently reheat your mulled wine, warm it over low heat on the stove, taking care not to boil it. Alternatively, pour it into a heatproof bowl and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping it warm but not bubbling, to preserve the flavours.

How long will mulled wine recipe last?

If you have leftovers, keep mulled wine in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just a heads-up: If you’ve added fresh fruit, enjoy it within a day to prevent unwanted fermentation. The best-mulled wine is fresh, but a day in the fridge won’t spoil the party.

mulled wine recipe
Can you imagine the smell of this delicious spiced drink?

Perfect pairings for a festive feast

With its warm, spiced notes, mulled wine is a versatile holiday drink that pairs beautifully with various festive dishes. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply enjoying a cosy evening, here are some delicious pairings to make your mulled wine experience unforgettable:

Cheese platters

Enhance your mulled wine with a curated cheese platter featuring creamy, rich cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and aged Cheddar. The aromatic spices in mulled wine perfectly complement the savoury creaminess of these cheeses, making each sip and bite a holiday treat.

Festive sweets

Serve traditional holiday sweets like gingerbread cookies, mince pies, or stollen alongside your mulled wine. The warm spices in these treats—like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—harmonise with the wine’s blend of spices, enhancing the festive flavours.

Savoury snacks before a barbecue

Classic savoury treats like pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, or bruschetta are perfect with mulled wine. The wine’s rich, spiced notes cut through the savouriness of these bites, creating a delicious contrast.

Grilled foods

Pair your mulled wine with grilled options that bring out its smoky, robust flavours for a unique twist. Try grilled lamb skewers, smoky chorizo, or charred vegetables like peppers and zucchini. The fire-kissed flavours complement the wine’s warmth, adding depth to every bite and sip.

Mulled wine is a true holiday classic, adding warmth and cheer to any winter gathering. Whether enjoyed by the fire or with your favourite festive foods, this spiced wine creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that brings everyone together. With our simple recipe, serving suggestions, and expert tips, you’re ready to make mulled wine a staple in your Algarve holiday traditions. So gather your friends and family, pour a warm mug, and toast to a memorable season filled with comfort and joy.

Check out our post on The best drinks for BBQ pairing to learn more about drinks that pair perfectly with grilled foods.

Check our store in the Algarve for discounts and free assembly! Be sure to visit our shop and showroom in Almancil, Algarve.

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