How to Make the Perfect Mulled Wine
A Sussex Twist on a Festive Classic
Few things say Christmas quite like the comforting aroma of mulled wine simmering on the stove. This year, elevate your winter gatherings with an Artelium twist on the traditional recipe, combining the depth of our Artefact #9 – Cabaret Noir with the warming spice of Artelium’s Collaborators Brandy.
Rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, this mulled wine captures everything we love about the season: craftsmanship, comfort, and the joy of sharing good wine with good company.
You’ll Need:
1 bottle of Artefact #9 – Cabaret Noir (750ml)
150ml Artelium Collaborators Brandy
2 oranges (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
100g caster sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
1 piece of fresh ginger (about 2cm, sliced)
1 teaspoon allspice berries (optional)
For serving:
Fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise for garnish
SHOP CABARET NOIR
SHOP COLLABORATORS BRANDY
🍷 The Method
Step 1: Create the Base
In a large saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar (or honey), and spices with about 100ml of Cabaret Noir. Warm gently over low heat until the sugar dissolves, allowing the spices to infuse — but don’t boil. You’re creating a flavour-packed base for your mulled wine.
Step 2: Add the Wine
Once the mixture is aromatic and slightly syrupy, pour in the rest of the Cabaret Noir along with the sliced orange and lemon. Heat slowly until steaming but never boiling — this preserves the wine’s delicate flavours and avoids cooking off the alcohol.
Step 3: Finish with Brandy
Just before serving, stir in the Collaborators Brandy for a luxurious kick and extra warmth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 4: Serve & Savour
Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, and serve immediately.
Best enjoyed beside a roaring fire, with friends, music, and twinkling lights.
Why Artefact #9 and Collaborators Brandy?
Our Artefact #9 – Cabaret Noir is a bold English red made from PIWI grapes, offering notes of dark berry fruit, mocha, and spice — the perfect backbone for mulled wine. Its depth and structure stand up beautifully to mulling spices without losing freshness.
Meanwhile, Artelium’s Collaborators Brandy (2020) adds warmth, complexity, and richness, rounding out the wine with notes of oak, caramel, and dried fruit. Together, they create a luxurious Sussex mulled wine that’s refined yet comforting — a world away from your average Christmas punch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Artelium Mulled Wine with:
Mince pies or spiced fruit cake
A cheeseboard featuring Sussex Brie or Stilton
Charcuterie and roasted nuts for a savoury twist
Mulled Wine Tips
Low and slow: Never let it boil — gentle heat keeps flavours pure.
Make ahead: Infuse the base in advance for deeper flavour; add the wine and brandy when ready to serve.
Add sparkle: For a twist, top up glasses with a splash of Artelium Blanc de Blancs 2018 for a festive sparkle.
Discover Artelium under the tree this Christmas
Bring Sussex to Your Christmas
Celebrate the season with the warmth of Sussex craftsmanship.
Shop Artefact #9 – Cabaret Noir, Collaborators Brandy, and our Christmas Gifting Collection for wine lovers.
Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply unwinding, Artelium’s mulled wine recipe brings a touch of elegance — and a lot of festive cheer — to every glass.
SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFTING
FAQs: Choosing the Best English Wines for Christmas 2025
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The best English wines for Christmas are those that combine elegance, craftsmanship, and festive flair. From sparkling wines like Artelium Blanc de Blancs 2018 and Curators Cuvée 2019, to still wines such as the Artefact #9 Cabaret Noir and our new Artefact #12 Maiden Harvest Chardonnay, each bottle brings the magic of Sussex to your Christmas table.
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For a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey and all the trimmings, Artelium Curators Cuvée 2019 is a standout choice. Its layers of orchard fruit, brioche, and citrus zest cut beautifully through rich festive flavours, while Blanc de Noirs 2017 pairs wonderfully with darker meats and vegetarian roasts.
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You can buy Artelium’s award-winning English sparkling and still wines directly from our online wine shop. We offer curated Christmas cases, gift sets, and complimentary UK delivery on orders over £80 — perfect for holiday gifting or stocking your festive cellar.
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Sussex is at the heart of the English wine revolution, offering chalk-rich soils and a cool climate that mirror Champagne. At Artelium Wine Estate, our wines are crafted with sustainability and precision, resulting in sparkling wines of exceptional balance, minerality, and depth — a true reflection of Sussex terroir.
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Yes! Visit us in Sussex for a vineyard tour and tasting experience, where you’ll explore how our wines are made and enjoy guided tastings of our award-winning collection. Gift vouchers are also available — a thoughtful present for any wine lover this Christmas.