Whether we like it or not, winter is fast approaching. One of the best (and most delicious) ways to survive the inevitable cold temps and snowy days is with warm, comforting drinks. Sure, we love a good hot latte, cappuccino, tea, or hot cocoa — but this time we’re talking about something a little stronger — wine. Sometimes referred to as Spiced Wine, Mulled Wine refers to wine — usually a red — that’s served warm and infused with various fruits and spices. This traditional European drink is popular around the holidays and is most often served at Christmas markets all around the world. It’s delicious, zesty, versatile, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Luckily, there are a few local bars and restaurants in and around Hoboken and Jersey City where you can find this delicious beverage. Keep reading to learn more about this delicious drink and where to find it in Hudson County.
A Brief History of Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine dates back to the second century. It was created by the Romans who would mix heated wine with spices because they believed it would promote health and prevent sickness during the cold winter months. Herbs and flowers were often used as natural sweeteners to create a more pungent flavor. As the Romans conquered much of Europe throughout the next century, their love for mulled wine spread across their empire and the regions they traded with. Thus, mulled wine became very popular in many countries like Germany, Austria, and the Scandinavian cities. The German glühwein is still a staple in Christmas markets and the popular Nordic glögg is often taken up a notch with the addition of other liquors like brandy or vodka. While the base of mulled wine is the same no matter where you go, each region has developed its own unique taste and flavor. Variations now include everything from red and white wines to sangria blends and port and even vermouth. To this day, mulled wine continues to be a Christmas tradition.
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Popular Ingredients in Mulled Wine
Depending on the restaurant or bar, you’ll find a variation of the following ingredients.
- Wine — traditionally red.
- Liquor — optional, but similar to sangria, mulled wine loves a little brandy, rum, or vodka.
- Oranges — but also clementines or lemons.
- Fruit — cranberries + blackberries add really nice sweet berry notes.
- Whole spices — whole cloves, star anise, and whole cinnamon sticks are the most traditional.
- Sweetener of your choosing — maple syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey.
Mulled Wine Food Pairings
You probably know what pairs with your favorite vino, but if you’re not so sure what to order alongside warm spiced wine, we’ve got you covered.
- Any dish with blue cheese adds a creamy and salty flavor to the combination.
- Cheesy pasta with a creamy sauce will blend well with this sweet drink.
- Any beef or steak. It’s juicy, beefy, fatty, and salty, and the perfect compliment.
- Potatoes, mashed or roasted, pair well with this hot drink.
- Seasonal fruits — especially citrus fruits.
- Chocolate — especially dark — gives a bittersweet addition to the already sweetened mulled wine and is also a healthy treat.
- Roasted Nuts add dimension and give a bit of a crunch.
Where to Get Mulled Wine in North Jersey
Franklin Social’s Miracle on Mercer Pop-Up | 68 Mercer Street, Jersey City
This Christmas-themed cocktail bar, located at Franklin Social, located at 292 Barrow Street in Jersey City, is back for another season. A place to gather over well-made cocktails in an intimate environment. Their holiday drink menu includes hot seasonal drinks like mulled wine + more.
Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
Zeppelin Hall is a European-style venue with self-serve German and American grub, 100+ beers, and live music. The holiday drink menu here includes hot seasonal drinks like mulled wine and more.
Pilsner Haus + Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
Sausages, beer, and other Austrian-Hungarian favorites are served at communal tables indoors and out at Pilsner Haus + Biergarten. The holiday drink menu here includes hot seasonal drinks like mulled wine and more.
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
The Archer is a rustic cocktail bar for classic drinks paired with a gamey menu of bar bites in dark wood digs. The spot has a full hot drink menu available this winter and customers can customize any drink, including mulled wine.
Barcade | 163 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Barcade is a festive venue that pairs classic video games with craft ales, plus familiar pub grub in an airy locale. The spot serves mulled wine as a special menu item around the holidays. It is not available year-round.
Luna | 279 Grove Street, Jersey City
Luna is a bi-level, brick-lined bistro with stylish, rustic accents for unique Italian fare and craft cocktails. The spot has mulled wine as a special menu item around the holidays. It is not available year-round.
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City
Battello is an industrial-chic eatery with a seafood-focused menu of modern Italian fare, scenic views, and a bar. The restaurant has a specialty cocktail of mulled wine around the holidays. It is not available every day — you must call in to check ahead of time.
Barbès | 1300 Park Ave, Hoboken
Barbès is an intimate spot with a mix of French and North African food and a vibe based on a Parisian neighborhood. The spot has mulled wine as a special menu item around the holidays. It is not available year-round.
The Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street, Hoboken
The Brass Rail has a lively bar scene on the street level and a New American menu served in an upstairs dining room. The restaurant serves mulled wine as a special menu item around the holidays. It is not available year-round.
See More: All About Make Wine With Us in Wallington
Royal Warsaw Restaurant | 871 River Drive, Elmwood Park
Royal Warsaw Restaurant has hearty servings of Polish classics with a variety of vodkas and brews. The spot has a full hot drink menu and can customize your drink to make mulled wine.
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Cowan’s Public has craft cocktails, microbrews, and New American dishes in a historic building with art deco accents. The spot has mulled wine as a special menu item around the holidays.
