History, Origin and Version with Mexican Wines
As the weather begins to cool and the air fills with warm aromas, mulled red wine becomes one of autumn's most comforting rituals. This cocktail, known globally as mulled wine , vin chaud , glühwein , or hot wine , is not just a drink, but a tradition that has traveled through time, cultures, and countries… until reaching Mexico, where it has found a new home thanks to the richness of our grapes and the local flavors that give it its own unique identity.
A journey to the past: the origins of spiced wine
The first historical record of mulled wine appears in ancient Rome. The Romans used to heat wine with aromatic herbs to improve its flavor (especially when the wine wasn't at its best) and to combat the cold. With the expansion of the empire, this custom spread to various European regions, where each culture adapted the recipe to its local spices, religious traditions, and climate.
During the Middle Ages, the recipe evolved and became a symbol of conviviality in winter. It not only warmed the body but was also believed to promote good health. At Christmas markets, family gatherings, and New Year's celebrations, mulled wine became a must-have.
Countries like Germany, France, Sweden, and England adopted it with their own names and unique combinations. However, they all shared the same goal: to create an aromatic, warming drink, perfect for the cold season.
The journey to America and its Mexican reinterpretation
Although Mexico is not traditionally associated with hot wine drinks, the last few decades have transformed our wine scene. The rise of regions like Valle de Guadalupe , Querétaro , Aguascalientes , Guanajuato , and Coahuila has allowed Mexican wine to achieve international recognition.
With this growth, new culinary traditions are adapting, reinterpreting, and finding their own local flavor. Thus, spiced autumn wine has begun to be embraced by mixologists, home cooks, and wine lovers looking to experiment with warm, aromatic, and inviting beverages.
Mexico has the perfect aromatic ingredients for this preparation: Ceylon cinnamon, sweet orange, cloves, star anise, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). Its warm profile pairs wonderfully with young, fruity Mexican red wines, especially those made from grapes like Tempranillo , Grenache , Syrah , or Nebbiolo , varieties widely cultivated in the country.
Why does it work so well in autumn?
Autumn is a season of transition: shorter days, cooler nights, and the start of gathering season. Our bodies begin to crave warm, comforting, and spicy flavors—not as crisp as summer's, but not as intense as winter's.
Spiced red wine works perfectly at this time of year because:
-
Spices naturally warm you up: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise stimulate circulation.
-
Red wine adds body and fruit: ideal for cool evenings.
-
Citrus aromas evoke festivities and harmonize with the weather.
-
It is a social drink: it is prepared in a pot, served in sturdy cups or glasses, and shared at family gatherings, light dinners, or informal celebrations.
This cocktail also connects perfectly with the aromatic Mexican traditions of the Day of the Dead and the first December festivities.
Recipe: Red Wine Cocktail with Autumn Spices (Mexican Version)
Ingredients:
-
1 bottle of Mexican red wine (Tempranillo, Syrah or Grenache)
-
1 sliced orange
-
2 long cinnamon sticks
-
4 cloves
-
2 star anise
-
1 small piece of fresh ginger (optional)
-
2–3 tablespoons of honey or piloncillo
-
1 splash of brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
Preparation:
-
In a large pot, heat the wine over low heat without letting it boil (this is key: if it boils, it loses alcohol and flavor).
-
Add the orange, cinnamon, cloves, anise, and ginger.
-
Sweeten with honey or piloncillo to taste.
-
Let it heat for 15 to 25 minutes, without boiling.
-
If you want more complexity, add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur.
-
Strain lightly and serve hot in heat-resistant cups or glasses.
What to serve it with?
-
Spice bread
-
Butter cookies
-
Soft cheeses
-
Creamy desserts
-
Or simply a quiet autumn afternoon
Final tip:
Choose young, fruity Mexican wines: they offer notes of red fruit that blend perfectly with the spices without overpowering them. Find them at Vinos Tintos – Vinosylicores.com
