The 5 tastiest mulled wines, according to Team Fabulous including bottle that tastes like ‘pear crumble in a cup’

CHRISTMAS time, mistletoe and (mulled) wine – and we couldn’t be happier to smell the first wafts of the spiced festive favourite all around.

But at upwards of £5 a glass in your local pub, it’s much cheaper to buy a bottle from the supermarket to enjoy in your own home from beneath a heated blanket while watching a Christmas movie (bliss!).

Mulled wine is big news this year, with supermarkets rolling out all manner of interesting twists, from gingerbread flavour through to a mulled amaretto drink.

There’s even a white version, with hints of pear to give a totally different experience.

And the best bit is that you can bag an entire bottle for just £3.79!

Bring the Bavarian market home this year, save your pennies and get your whole house smelling of sweet festive spices for total Christmassy vibes – here are Team Fabulous’ faves…

Contributing Picture Editor Ruth Greatrex tested Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer, £27.40 for six bottles – BUY NOW

The idea of mulled wine, with its fragrant promise of Christmas cheer, is lovely, but I find it too sweet and cloying.

Sadly, for me, it’s an instant headache in a glass, followed closely by flushed cheeks and a Rudolph-style nose.

Enter Devonshire maker Luscombe’s non-alcoholic take, which brings all the festive feels to the party, minus the hangover and other boozy side effects.

Devon spring water is expertly blended with organic ingredients, such as cherries and hibiscus, then infused with all those familiar Christmassy spices, like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Not syrupy, it is refreshingly dry and tangy and is delicious served warmed with zesty orange, or even twist it up and try chilled.

Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Danielle Woodward tested Marks & Spencer Mulled White Wine, £6.50 – BUY NOW

I’m a big fan of mulled wine – nothing makes me feel more festive than wrapping my chilled fingers around a steaming mug of hot, spiced booze.

But having always had the red wine version, I had no idea what to expect from a white mulled wine.

The label says it’s flavoured with pear, vanilla and mulled wine spice, and instructs to heat gently on the stove or to warm a mug in the microwave for a minute – I went for the latter, as I wasn’t up for downing a bottle on my own, and added a wedge of lemon to bring out the citrus notes.

It was absolutely delicious – like a liquid pear crumble, flavoured with cinnamon and with a vanilla biscuit aftertaste that was so moreish.

The lemon added a freshness to counteract the sweetness.

The label says to add sugar to taste, but I thought it was sweet enough.

Yes, there’s the novelty factor with this one, but it doesn’t disappoint!

Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon tested Morrisons Winter Warmer Gingerbread Mulled Wine, £4 – BUY NOW

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for a £4 bottle of mulled wine – but it was delicious.

After heating it on the stove, I drank it warm, and it had a full-bodied flavour, despite not adding any additional spices.

The wine has a sweet, caramel taste and a rich, spiced base – but I wouldn’t describe it as gingerbread.

Overall, a delicious mulled wine, perfect for those with a sweet tooth – and as the maker claims, it will indeed “transport tastebuds to a Bavarian bakery”.

Food Editor Kirsty Spence tested Morrisons Mulled Amaretto, £6 – BUY NOW

If you’re after something a little different, inspired by a new trend among Christmas markets in Germany, this first-to-market in the UK Mulled Amaretto is just that

As soon as news of its launch hit my inbox, I knew it would go straight to the top of my festive tipples chart – and I also knew I’d have to buy in extra bottles to satisfy my Dad’s sweet tooth over Christmas.

Just like the others, this needs warming before sipping, and will fill the air with sweet, almond smells.

I’ve heard of some fans added a glug to their hot chocolate – and personally, I think it’s genius!

Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney tested Aldi Cranberry & Clementine Flavour Mulled Wine, £3.79 – BUY NOW

I’m not a big wine drinker – as I’ve got older, I find the hangovers come too easily – but I make an exception for mulled wine at Christmas!

I’m a big fan of Aldi’s regular mulled wine, but always jazz it up a bit with orange juice, extra red wine and slices of citrus fruit, so I was keen to see whether this fruity alternative would be able to stand alone. 

I was surprised at how different they are – the sweetness of the cranberry is there, but it’s perfectly balanced with the citrus flavour of the clementine.

It filled my kitchen with such a festive smell, even the kids were asking for a sip! 

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