As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that mulled wine is traditionally served hot. The warmth of the drink adds to its comforting and cozy nature, making it a perfect beverage for colder seasons, especially during the holiday season.
When I think of mulled wine, I am instantly transported to winter evenings by the fireplace, sipping on a steaming mug of this aromatic beverage. The heat enhances the flavors and aromas, allowing the spices to infuse into the wine and creating a delightful sensory experience.
The process of making mulled wine involves heating the wine gently with a variety of mulling spices. These spices can include cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and orange peel, among others. The combination of these spices creates a warm and fragrant blend that complements the wine beautifully.
The heat from the mulled wine also helps to release the flavors and aromas of the spices, resulting in a more pronounced and enjoyable drinking experience. When served hot, the warmth of the mug in your hands adds to the overall appeal and comfort of the drink.
However, it's important to note that there are variations of mulled wine that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. For instance, some recipes call for steeping the spices in wine overnight and serving it chilled the next day. While this version can be refreshing, it deviates from the traditional hot mulled wine experience.
In my personal experience, I have found that serving mulled wine hot is the most popular and preferred method. It not only warms you up from the inside out but also enhances the flavors and aromas of the wine and spices.
To sum it up, mulled wine is traditionally served hot. The warmth adds to the overall experience, allowing the spices to infuse into the wine and creating a comforting and aromatic beverage. While there are variations that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, serving mulled wine hot is the most common and traditional way to enjoy this delightful drink.