Brighten up the long winter nights the way Europeans have for centuries with an intensely warming and fragrant drink of hot mulled wine fortified with spices, herbs, fruit and fruit juices, hard alcohol and a sweetener like honey or sugar, or any combination of those ingredients. This favorite traditional beverage can be found throughout many of Europe’s Christmas Markets with different variations of mulled wine recipes, depending on the region. For example, in Hungary, it is forralt; in France, it’s vin chaud; and in Germany and Austria, it is called glühwein. Even though there are countless varieties, three ingredients remain common across traditions — red or white wine, baking spices such as cloves, and citrus.

Travel on one of our Danube or Rhine Christmas Markets river cruises on a multi-country tour, and you’ll be able to sample mulled wine as it is prepared by different cultures. No matter what the ingredients are between the heated wine and the spices, it’s the perfect way to warm up, both inside and out.

You can also try this festive Franconian glühwein made with Silvaner or Müller-Thurgau wine, apple juice from the region, fresh citrus fruits and Franconian plum brandy for your holiday party.

Experience the flavors of winter and the holidays while aboard one our Christmas Markets river cruises.