The Amphora III:

Mulled Wine

As the air turns crisp and December’s festive embrace blankets our space, few things rival the comforting allure of mulled wine. Steeped in tradition, spices, and warmth, this drink transforms the ordinary into a festive elixir, evoking memories of holiday gatherings and fireside chats. In this episode of The Amphora, we dive into the history, enduring tradition, and our homemade recipe for this seasonal staple, which you can try at home.

Ancient Origins

The origin of mulled wine traces back to the Roman Empire, where the practice of heating wine was born out of practicality. The Romans believed that warming their wine with spices helped starve off illnesses during the colder months. As the empire expanded, so did the practice, spreading the concept around Europe. In medieval times, mulled wine evolved into a symbol of hospitality often served at feasts and celebrations.

By the Victorian era, mulled wine had cemented its place as a Christmas staple in Britain immortalised in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as the quintessential holiday drink.

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Across Cultures

Though often associated with European traditions, variations of mulled wine exist worldwide. In Germany, Glühwein is a Christmas market staple, often infused with vanilla pods and served in festive mugs. Sweden offers glögg, a spiced wine fortified with vodka or aquavit and garnished with almonds and raisins. Traditional Danish gløgg is made by gently heating red wine with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, then sweetening it with sugar and often adding a splash of port or brandy for extra warmth. Across the Atlantic, warm spiced apple cider echoes the flavours of mulled wine, providing a non-alcoholic alternative.

In Cyprus, mulled wine (ζεστό κρασί or zestó krasí) has found a cosy home in mountain villages, where it complements local delicacies such as sugared nuts and dried fruit. Its aromatic profile harmonises beautifully with the island’s winter festivities, offering a Mediterranean twist on a beloved classic.

Crafting Your Perfect Mulled Wine

The beauty of mulled wine lies in its simplicity and adaptability. A traditional recipe starts with red wine, a variety often preferred to balance the sweetness of added ingredients. The heart and originality of any mulled wine, however, is its spice blend. A medley of cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg creates the warming base, while citrus slices lend brightness and zest.

Honey or sugar adds sweetness, while brandy or port can deepen the drink’s richness for a more indulgent version. The key is a gentle simmer—never boiling—to meld all the flavours without cooking off the alcohol. The result is a fragrant concoction that’s as much about the ritual of preparation as the drink itself.

Our Gløgg Recipe

Gløgg Syrup

1L of water

1 stick of cinnamon

1 bay leaf

5g star anise

3g cloves

24g of sliced ginger

10g of orange peel

300g of sugar

Boil for 5 minutes and add sugar at the end to melt

Sieve all the spices away so you only have the Gløgg syrup left

Mixtures of spirits and syrups:

In a pot, add the following:

30cl KEO brandy

30cl Commandaria

150cl Red Wine

90cl Gløgg syrup

Warm up but never boil

Serve in a water glass with a teaspoon of almond flakes and raisins

Christmas Chaos to Winter Warmth

When asked what mulled wine reminds him of, Aleks immediately says, “cold.” He goes on to share memories of Christmas shopping, running around town ticking off items from a seemingly endless list. “When you’re finally done,” he says, “you gather with everyone, clutching warm mugs of mulled wine. It’s like the relief of conquering the season’s chaos.” He paints the picture vividly: after hours in the biting Scandinavian cold, the heat of the spiced wine in your hands is a comfort, and the first sip—its potent kick—warms you from the inside out. Aleks chuckles, imitating a little "cough cough" as if to mimic the strength of that first, boozy sip. “It’s just so good,” he says, grinning.

A Tradition Worth Tasting

The act of sipping mulled wine goes beyond the drink itself; it’s an experience. It’s the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air, the comforting heat of the mug in your hands, and the convivial atmosphere it inspires.

Enjoy a glass (or two) of mulled wine at The Agora. Think of it as the grown-up version of hot chocolate you can enjoy at our grown-ups-only hotel this holiday season.

So, as the winter unfolds its chilly embrace, let us raise a glass of mulled wine and toast to the timeless joys of tradition.

Bottoms up!

Swing by the bar