Mulled Wine - Warming Up for Holidays

In cold winter months this aromatic drink is present everywhere, and during Zagreb’s Christmas Market frenzy it’s probably the most popular beverage around. Its sweet, seductive smell will lure you from every corner. Personally, I can’t resist a cup of mulled wine, which probably has to do with the fact that my parents would always give me a few sips when I was a child. I guess many of us here have the same history, and the smell of mulled wine works on a subconscious level, triggering happiness. Of course, like with any popular food or drink in this area, there’s a whole science behind a simple cup of mulled wine. Because there’s mulled wine, and there’s mulled wine. And you don’t want the wrong one.

Mulled wine, one of the heralds of Christmas holidays.

For starters, you need some wine, obviously. Red or white, both works fine. Most importantly, it needs to be good wine. People often make the mistake of presuming that quality doesn’t really matter when it comes to wine for cooking or making mulled wine, because you boil it and season it anyway. How wrong! You should treat mulled wine as a cocktail, which it is, in a way. Would you put lousy gin in your gin and tonic? No? I thought so. Of course, you won’t use a bottle of expensive Bordeaux or Dingač for mulled wine, but decent quality wine is the first condition. Balance is the key word. You want a well-rounded, pleasant wine; not too acidic, not too sweet, not bursting with tannins, not too dull. Local and wide-spread varieties like Graševina (white) or Frankovka (red) are a safe choice.

Zimsko kuhano vino - the only brand of pre-made mulled wine, available at many places in Zagreb.” Image credit:Zimsko kuhano vino

Second, you need sugar and spice. With sugar it’s fairly simple - don’t overdo it, and brown sugar is way better than the regular white. Now, the selection and usage of spices is what makes all the difference. Different countries have different traditions and customs. There’s loads of stuff that can be put in mulled wine, but in Croatia we like to keep things quite simple. Cinnamon and cloves are mandatory, maybe also some nutmeg, star anise or vanilla pods. That’s old-school. Modern versions, when you want an exotic kick and more fruitiness, include slices of orange or lemon. Spicy aromas are very welcome, but nothing should prevail or overshadow the taste of wine. Don’t boil it too long and be sure to enjoy it while it’s hot.

Zagreb’s Christmas Market is the right setting for enjoying mulled wine, like in Martićeva Street.” Image credit: Design District Zagreb

Almost all food and drink stands and huts that are part of this year’s expanded Advent in Zagreb will have gallons and gallons of mulled wine, so the question is - which is the best? It’s up to your taste buds to explore and find out. Last year, Bistro 75 was praised by many for their mulled wine, and this year they’re still in the game. There’s also a very promising new contender, in my humble opinion - Otto & Frank together with Vintesa wine shop in Martićeva Street. Bear in mind that a mug of mulled wine looks harmless and irresistible, but not only it still is an alcoholic beverage, it’s also quite high in calories. But don’t let that stop you from indulging yourself during the holiday season!

Author: Taste of Croatia