When the festive season rolls around, new vegans often find themselves frantically looking up whether Christmas food and drinks like mince pies, Christmas pudding and brandy are suitable for vegans.
You may be wondering if mulled wine is vegan… After all, it doesn’t often say on the bottle, and if you’re ordering a mug of Gluhwein at a Christmas market or other festive event, there won’t even be a bottle to check!
This post explains whether mulled wine is considered vegan and where you can buy vegan mulled wine in the UK.
Is mulled wine vegan?
Just like red wines, some mulled wines are suitable for vegans and some are not. Some mulled wine or Gluhwein may be filtered with animal products such as gelatine (cow or pig bones) and isinglass (fish bladders). You can check the label, or look up the answer online.
Where to buy vegan mulled wine
Mulled wine is probably the most popular of all Christmas drinks. And luckily, good vegan mulled wine is easy to find in UK supermarkets during the festive season. It’s priced between £3 and £5.
Here are the best vegan mulled wines to buy in the UK…
1. Marks & Spencer mulled wine
Marks & Spencer’s red mulled wine is vegan. Also available via Ocado, this rich and fruity red wine drink is flavoured with warming winter spices.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 11%
- Price: £5.00
2. Three Mills gingerbread mulled wine
This warming gingerbread mulled wine is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Crafted in a winery in Norfolk, it’s a must-try vegan mulled wine this Christmas.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 5.5%
- Price: £4.00
3. Tesco mulled wine
Tesco mulled wine is vegan. This sweet and fruity wine is blended with cinnamon, clove and citrus fruits. At 5.5% alcohol, it’s not as strong as some of the other vegan mulled wines.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 5.5%
- Price: £3.00
4. Sainsbury’s mulled wine
Sainsbury’s mulled wine is suitable for vegans. I love the label with the MULL IT OVER slogan, although this wine isn’t very strong in terms of alcohol.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 5.5%
- Price: £3.00
5. Asda mulled wine
Asda mulled wine is suitable for vegans. This aromatic, spicy mulled wine is flavoured with warming cinnamon and citrus fruits.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 8%
- Price: £3.00
6. Co-op mulled wine
Co-op mulled wine is suitable for vegans. This warm and fruity British mulled wine is produced and bottled in the UK.
- Size: 75cl
- ABV: 8%
- Price: £4.50
Mulled wine and Gluhwein from budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl may also be suitable for vegans. These supermarkets do not publish this information online, but it’s worth checking the label if you find a bottle in store.
Vegan alcohol-free mulled wine
Alcohol-free mulled wine will almost always be suitable for vegans as alcohol-free wine doesn’t require the same filtration process as alcoholic wine.
1. Three Mills Non-Alcoholic Mulled Punch
This non-alcoholic mulled winter punch is full-bodied with has rich berry flavours, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and zesty orange. It’s crafted in a winery in Norfolk.
- Size: 75cl
- Price: £3.00
Belvoir Fruit Farms Mulled Winter Punch
This non-alcoholic vegan mulled wine is made with 100% natural ingredients like elderberry, blackcurrant and orange juices and spices.
- Size: 75cl
- Price: Check
How to make vegan mulled wine
Making your own vegan mulled wine at home is easy to do. Here’s how…
In a large saucepan or slow cooker, add 100g of caster sugar, your mulled wine spices and just enough red wine to cover.
Simmer, while stirring, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Boil for five minutes, or until you have a thick syrup.
The syrup is required as the sugar and spices need to get very hot. Heating all the wine to this temperature would burn off the alcohol.
Add the remaining red wine and heat until warm.
Add extra alcohol (such as gin) if desired.
Serve in a mug or heatproof glass.
Conclusion
Most mulled wine is vegan and you’ll find vegan mulled wine available to buy in most UK supermarkets. If you prefer to make your own mulled wine, you can do so by heating any cheap and fruity red wine with sugar and mulled wine spices.