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.

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.

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!

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.

It is a warming drink for the winter and considered a remedy for colds and flu. The basis of this is the anti-inflammatory effects of wine and the antiseptic and antioxidant properties of cloves and cinnamon, which are also added.

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.

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.

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.

Mulled wine is very popular and traditional in the United Kingdom at Christmas, and less commonly throughout winter. Mulled cider (and sometimes mulled ale, traditional yet no longer common) is also served, with a mulled apple juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.

sure. Heat and exposure to air will ruin the wine. Best to share the bottle and drink it all at one sitting.

How much alcohol remains in mulled wine? ›

With the goal of consuming the alcohol, any evaporated alcohol is a small affront to the holiday season. But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process.

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.

Science has proven that mulled wine can help with anything from preventing colds and lowering cholesterol to boosting your memory and strengthening your bones. It's also great beauty-wise with lots of anti-ageing properties that work for the skin and body.

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.

Common mulling spices include: Cinnamon – may be an anti-inflammatory and aid with glycemic control. Nutmeg – may be an analgesic and antioxidant, support cell metabolism, and help lower LDL levels. Allspice – may be antimicrobial, an analgesic, and lower blood pressure.

The heat used in mulling encourages greater flavours from the citrus and the spices but also reduces the alcohol content, hence the common addition of a slug of spirit or liqueur just before serving.

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.