Stretching back to the second century A.D., mulled wine was made by Roman soldiers to warm them against harsh winters. As the Romans made their way across Europe, so did their love of mulled wine. They thought that using herbs and spices would help them stay warm and healthy. Mulled wine was a popular Christmas drink in Sweden, and soon became a mainstay around the table on Christmas Day.
Australian winters may allow us to enjoy these deliciously spiced drinks a little earlier in the year - but who are we to complain! Throughout the winter months, bars across Perth have been recreating the festive European tradition, offering a selection of hot toddies and mulled drinks that are a welcome treat on chilly nights.
Odyssea
City Beach
Odyssea’s mulled wine and steamy after dinner cocktails are the perfect beverages to sip on as you gaze out at the Indian Ocean. Whether you are after something rich cosy or something fresh and fruity, Odyssea’s hot toddy is a must after a hearty meal. To snatch a table at this beachside staple, book here.
Open everyday, 11.30am till late
Benny’s Bar
Fremantle
Open seven days a week, Benny’s Bar is a top pick for a casual meal and a warm mug of mulled wine flavoured with star anise and citrus. Offering live music, pizzas and burgers, (and Nutella martinis if mulled wine isn't your thing), Benny’s is a must when you’re out in Fremantle. You can book a table out in Benny’s yard, a cosy conservatory lit with string lights, or sit under the heated alfresco for your next winter meal. Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am until late, and Saturday and Sunday 8.00am until late. Book here.
Frisk Small Bar
Northbridge
Known for their top-tier gins, Frisk Small Bar presents a mulled wine with a bit of a twist. Infused with a 'Bloody Mary' gin, their mulled drinks are stand-out. If you're after some other winter cocktails, Frisk are constantly coming up with ideas using their latest infusions. Their newest addition to the menu includes You wouldn’t steal a Strudel which tastes of rich apple and baked pastry, and is complete with a cinnamon sugar rim. Open 4pm to 11pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 1am Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 10pm Sunday.
Kitsch
Leederville
Kitsch has brought their famous mulled wine back to their menu, just in time for winter. Located in Leederville, Kitsch offers Asian-inspired share-plates with a street food style twist. Warm up on these wintery nights catching up with friends - open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday 5pm to late, and Saturday 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm 'til late.
The Standard
Northbridge
The Standard is a go-to spot for tapas and drinks, and now you can warm up this winter with the latest additions to their drinks menu. Their winter warmers include mulled wine, full of zesty citrus and spices, and a 'Hot Roddy', with spiced rum, ginger beer, bitters and even more spices! Grab a spot outside in the garden which is lined up with plenty of heaters to keep you warm in the cooler months. The Standard is open Wednesday to Friday 4pm 'til late, Saturday 12pm to late, and Sunday 12pm to 10pm.
Want to try mulled wine at home?
If staying cosy at home is more your style, you can give our recipe for your own 'winter warmer' a try.
To make mulled wine, you'll need:
- A large pot or saucepan
- Two bottles of red wine (we recommend a merlot)
- A dash of port wine or Cognac
- An orange, sliced into rounds
- Three cinnamon sticks
- A tablespoon of cloves
- Six flowers of star anise
- A dash of honey for sweetness
Pour all the ingredients into the pot and simmer slowly for twenty minutes, to half an hour. Serve warm in a mug, and enjoy a wintertime treat.