Mulled wine is a quintessential beverage during the holiday season, typically made from combining warmed red wine with orange and various spices.
Dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, today the festive drink can be found in Christmas markets and small towns around the world, and luckily, we’ve got some great options to find it right here in Toronto.
Here are 7 places to find mulled wine in the city.
1. Distillery Winter Village
As long as the Winter Village is running, there will be mulled wine to be found. Many vendors serve the spiced drink, and you can stay warm by the firepits before checking out the other activities. You have up until December 31 to stop by for the holiday-themed festivities, though the decorations and certain shops will stay open until January 7.
Where: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
2. Project Gigglewater
This Dundas West cocktail bar is known for its innovative creations, and the space is currently decked out to the nines for the Christmas season in vibrant wallpaper, ornaments, and twinkling lights. The holiday spirit also extends to their menu, where you’ll find everything from the ‘Beets by Mariah’ made with dark chocolate infused vodka, peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao, and beet milk, to the classic ‘Hot Mulled Wine’ with red wine, orange liqueur, brandy orange, and Christmas spices.
Where: 1369 Dundas St. W., Toronto
3. Miracle Bar
The city’s whimsical Christmas pop-up bar will stay open until December 30, offering a selection of curated cocktails such as the Christmapolitan made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary, and absinthe mist, or opt for the Jingle Bells Nog, which has cognac, cream sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, vanilla, and nutmeg. Of course, you’ll also find classics like mulled wine and hot chocolate on the menu.
Where: 875 Bloor St W, Second Floor
4. Piccolo Caffe E Vino
This cozy John Street Village wine bar has a Winter Wine Market on their outdoor patio, where you can sip seasonal cocktails like hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. The market is currently open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: 111 John St, Toronto
5. Holiday Fair in the Square
North York’s Mel Lastman Square has transformed into a winter wonderland for the month of December with the annual Holiday Fair in the Square. Shop vendors at the artisan marketplace, sip mulled wine, see live holiday-themed performances, and visit with Santa himself. The festival runs until December 23.
Where: 5100 Yonge Street, North York
6. NORDIC by BarChef
Sip on elevated cocktails created by some of Toronto’s top mixologists within this magical pop-up yurt located in The Well. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Narnia here, the interior space adorned with spruce tree branches, soft lighting, and an occasional steam which permeates the setting with scents. If you can’t snag a spot inside, there is also outdoor seating by the fire with blankets for warmth. Their take on mulled wine comes in the form of the ‘Vin-Brulé’ comprised of red wine, brandy, Cointreau, maple bitters, cinnamon, star anise, and maple syrup.
Where: 486 Front St. West, Toronto
7. STACKT Market Holiday Hills
Toronto’s most innovative market has been taken over with holiday spirit, with their annual “]Holiday Hills[/trackLink] event running until December 31. Wander through the huge tunnel of sparkling lights, check out a whiskey speakeasy, and stop by the bar for some hot mulled wine before picking up some last minute gifts at one of the rotating small markets. There’s also free live music Fridays!
Where: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto