The surprising health benefits of mulled wine! (2024)

Nothing heralds festive cheer quite like a comforting glass of mulled wine. The familiar smell of a warm, fruity red infused with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and orange is one of the hallmarks of a Christmas well spent.

Far from being a guilty pleasure this year, you can indulge knowing that mulled wine not only warms the soul but also offers a range of potential health benefits (when enjoyed in moderation, of course!)

When combined with cinnamon in particular, mulled wine becomes a powerhouse of goodness. Let us explain…

Cinnamon, a key spice in mulled wine, is renowned for its antioxidant properties. It contains high levels of polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in lowering inflammation in the body.

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Combining cinnamon with red wine amplifies their potential health benefits. Cinnamon has been linked to aiding the management of blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, which, when combined with the cardiovascular benefits of red wine, creates a potentially synergistic effect on heart health.

Moreover, the warmth of mulled wine, especially when consumed in moderation, can promote relaxation and comfort during colder months, potentially reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

With all this festive good news in mind, allow us to share a favourite mulled wine recipe for you to try at home. Do let us know how you get on with it – we always enjoy your feedback!

Our Favourite Festive Mulled Wine Recipe:

Red Wine (1x 750 ml bottle)

500ml Apple Cider

4 Tablespoon Honey

1 Orange (zested and juiced)

5 Whole Cloves

4 Green Cardamom Pods

2 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Whole Star Anise

4 Tablespoons Brandy

Orange (slices, for garnish)

Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)

Method:

Pour wine into a large pot or slow cooker

Add WHOLE spices, apple cider, and orange citrus.

Simmer to allow the spices to infuse the wine with their warmth and the other ingredients to marry into a single, delicious drink.

Add brandy. ENJOY!

The surprising health benefits of mulled wine! (2024)

FAQs

The surprising health benefits of mulled wine!? ›

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Does mulled wine have any health benefits? ›

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Why is mulled wine so good? ›

Mulled wine is essentially red wine simmered with various cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise that give it a delicious, spiced flavor. You can make it with brandy or another dark liquor for an extra kick!

What is an interesting fact about mulled wine? ›

It was first popular along the Romans, who would drink hot spiced wine in the winter. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did its partiality for hot red wine. People added different herbs and spices for sweetness, to make bad quality wine taste better, and because they believed in their health benefits.

Is mulled wine inflammatory? ›

The cinnamon in mulled wine has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling and restoring normal tissue function. “This may help conditions like arthritis. The antioxidants in red wine and in cloves can also help reduce inflammation.

What are the side effects of mulled wine? ›

Although mulled wine has a lower alcohol content, when over-consumed, the natural and added sugars in mulled wine can spike your blood sugar levels rapidly, which can also cause headaches the next day. This is due to hyperglycemia, or reactive hypoglycemia, an over or under-compensation of glucose in your bloodstream.

How much alcohol is left in mulled wine? ›

Unless you keep it boiling for a while it won't lose much alcohol content. While pure ethanol does evapoate quickly at a relatively low temperature, the lower the alcohol content gets, the more slowly does more alcohol evaporate at that temperature. Mulled wine will typically have between eight and 13 per cent abv.

Does mulled wine help you sleep? ›

Having a glass of wine or other "nightcap" before bed has long been thought of as a way to help someone sleep, especially if it's a warm drink like a hot toddy, a brandy, or mulled wine since the temperature allegedly promotes sleepiness.

Who drinks the most mulled wine? ›

This drink is consumed enormously in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden and Denmark, where it is called Glögg and Gløgg respectively (terms meaning "mulled wine" in each language). In Germany, as in most Germanic countries, it is mainly consumed under the name Glühwein.

When should I drink mulled wine? ›

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink usually made with red wine, along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins, served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

What is the chemistry of mulled wine? ›

But what makes mulled wine so distinctive? One of the major players in its flavour is cinnamon whose main protagonist is the compound imaginatively named, cinnamaldehyde. Additionally, clove is key to the mulled wine flavour and its main influencer is the compound eugenol.

What is a nickname for mulled wine? ›

This traditional homemade mulled wine recipe is incredibly easy to make and always SO cozy and delicious. Also known as glühwein, vino caliente, glögg, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, vin chaud, candola, vinho quente…or literally a hundred other names, depending on where in the world life may find you.

What is the difference between mulled wine and glühwein? ›

Gluhwein is the German term for a hot spiced wine (It is actually spelled gluehwein, or there are two dots, (an umlaut) over the letter 'u'). Mulled wine is an English language term for hot spiced wine. They may not taste the same because there are many recipes that people have to make hot spice wine.

Is mulled wine good for your stomach? ›

Mulled wine contains many gutfriendly ingredients. 'Cinnamon is good for gastrointestinal problems, nutmeg helps soothe indigestion and star anise contains anethole – a compound that helps to relieve tummy spasms and wind,' says Dr Lee. Just don't overindulge, as this may bring on the festive flatulence.

What is the best wine to fight inflammation? ›

Pinot Noir and Merlot Have LOTS of Resveratrol

Specifically, it has incredibly high levels of resveratrol. Resveratrol is easily the most widely known polyphenol in wine. Its anti-inflammatory powers are so well studied it's even used in many cosmetics and dietary supplements.

Is mulled wine good for acid reflux? ›

Unless you can tolerate spirits, you may want to avoid seasonal co*cktails, such as eggnog (which can contain brandy or bourbon) or mulled wine (which can contain rum). Stick with beer or wine instead, which may not cause heartburn to the same extent as other types of alcohol, according to a study published in 2021.

Is mulled wine weaker than normal wine? ›

Contrary to the popular belief that heating mulled wine diminishes the alcohol content, prompting many to drink it with an added shot of amaretto or rum, this happens only once it reaches a temperature of 78 degrees Celsius (172 degrees Fahrenheit).

Is mulled wine OK to drink? ›

The beauty of mulled wine is that it's a drink that you can enjoy on its own. Whether you're sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, playing games with your family, or watching TV, mulled wine is a warming drink that is brilliant on its own without the need to serve snacks or a meal.

Is mulled wine good for the throat? ›

Mulled wine ranks among the best drinks for soothing sore throat and cough. Red wine with oranges or lemons, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom, or honey is warmed to serve as a remedy against cold.

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