Beyond mulled wine: 5 hot red wine-based drinks for winter

Introduction

The scent of cinnamon and cloves is the ultimate hallmark of winter. But what if you want to surprise your guests with something a little different this year?

While mulled wine remains the undisputed king of the festive season (as Google search trends consistently show every January), there is a whole world of international variations and gourmet creations out there. These unique twists bring out the notes of fine red wines in truly unexpected ways.

Nordic Glühwein with a touch of Marasca

A staple of Northern European Christmas markets, Glühwein is famous for its complex, layered blend of spices.

The Chef’s tip: Stir in a spoonful of Marasca cherry syrup to beautifully elevate the wine’s red fruit notes.
Recommended wine: A full-bodied yet fruity red which ensures the wine’s character doesn’t get lost among the bold spices.

Red Wine and Pomegranate Punch

A lighter, ‘antioxidant-rich’ alternative. The pomegranate juice adds a crisp touch of acidity that perfectly balances the warmth of the wine.

Ingredients: Red wine, fresh pomegranate juice, star anise and a slice of bitter orange.

Feuerzangenbowle: ‘Fire’ in a glass

Arguably the most spectacular drink in German tradition. A rum-soaked sugar cone (or sugar cube) is placed on a special grate over the mulled wine and set alight.

Why try it: As the caramelized sugar drips into the wine, it creates a rich, velvety texture and a deep flavor profile.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

The trend taking social media by storm in 2026. This isn’t just a simple pairing—it’s a true fusion where rich red wine is poured directly into melted dark chocolate.

Tip: Use a wine with smooth, soft tannins to avoid an overly bitter aftertaste.

Red Wine Grog with Chestnut Honey

A sophisticated twist on the classic sailors’ drink. By replacing the traditional hot water with red wine, you get an incredibly invigorating and soothing winter warmer.

Expert’s Tip: Per queste ricette non usare un vino qualunque. La base deve essere di qualità: scopri la nostra selezione di Don’t just settle for any cheap bottle of wine for these recipes. The base needs to be high quality.