Mead
Christmas Mead vs Mulled Wine: Which Is the Best Festive Warmer This Year?
December 18, 2025
Every December, the question arises, somewhere between the first mince pie and the second mug of something warm:
Mulled wine, the classic festive favourite, or… something a little different?
Mulled wine has long been the go-to winter warmer. Its fruity, spiced aroma drifts through Christmas markets, steams from kitchen pans, and fills mugs at cosy gatherings. It’s instantly recognisable, comforting, and unmistakably Christmassy.
But this year, another contender is quietly reclaiming its place in festive hearts: Christmas Mead. Known as the world’s oldest fermented beverage, honey wine has a rich and intriguing history. At Lyme Bay Winery, with over 15 years of expertise crafting both award-winning Christmas Mead and fruity and delicious Mulled Wine, we can guide you through the stories, flavours, and moods that make each drink special.
Origins:
Ancient Mead vs Medieval Mulled Wine
History is woven into every glass of these festive drinks.
Christmas Mead has roots reaching deep into the past: archaeologists discovered traces of fermented beverages containing honey in pottery from China, dated to around 7000 B.C. (≈9000 years ago). This is one of the earliest known examples of humans turning honey into alcohol. Today, this ancient drink comes alive in every glass of Lyme Bay Christmas Mead, connecting centuries of tradition to the present.
Mulled Wine, by contrast, arrived later. Medieval Europeans heated red wine with spices like cloves and cinnamon to soften cheap, harsh vintages in winter. By the 16th century, it had become a British staple, warming bodies and hearts alike.
At Lyme Bay, we honour both traditions. Christmas Mead revives ancient craftsmanship, while our Mulled Wine carries the comforting ritual of winter gatherings. A drink designed to bring people together and evoke festive spirit.
Taste Comparison: Honey vs Grapes - Choosing Your Festive Mood
At the heart of this seasonal debate is a simple contrast: honey versus grapes. It’s not about better or worse, it’s about style, mood, and moment.
Mulled Wine, like Lyme Bay’s fruity and delicious damson and elderberry blend, is bold, structured, and warming. Heat it gently, add a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick, and the kitchen fills with the unmistakable scent of Christmas. It’s perfect for bustling gatherings and lively conversations.
Christmas Mead is softer, richer, and honey-forward. Gently spiced, it unfolds layers of flavour with notes of honey, jasmine, citrus zest, and winter spice. Along with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. Ideal for quiet evenings by the fire, slow sipping, or pairing with cheeses and desserts, it brings warmth and festive magic in a subtle, reflective way.
Some nights call for the bright spice of Mulled Wine; others, for the mellow richness of Christmas Mead. Or, for those who can’t choose, both can share the table. Each evoking the festive feeling in its own way.
How to Enjoy the Festive Flavours
Winter evenings beg for drinks that warm more than just your hands. They should fill the room with aroma, evoke laughter, and invite you to pause.
Christmas Mead:
- Gently warmed: sip by the fire, letting honey and spice fill your senses.
- Over ice: a refreshing aperitif to start a festive meal.
- With food: perfect with a cheeseboard, roast meats, or sticky toffee pudding. The honey sweetness balances salty and rich flavours beautifully.
Mulled Wine:
- Traditionally warmed: gently heat to release damson, elderberry, and festive spices.
- With extras: orange, cinnamon, or a dash of brandy adds depth.
- For gatherings: serve in a pan for friends and family, offering a classic, instantly recognisable festive drink.
Both drinks invite you to choose your moment: the quiet, reflective warmth of Mead or the bustling, heart-warming joy of Mulled Wine, or a combination of both.
Recipe: Mulled Christmas Mead
For a festive twist, try Mulled Christmas Mead. Lyme Bay Christmas Mead is already expertly spiced, so preparation is simple:
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 1 bottle Lyme Bay Christmas Mead (75cl)
- 250ml cloudy apple juice
- 3 tbsp brandy (optional)
- 1 strip lemon peel, 1 strip orange peel
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- Thumb-sized slice of fresh ginger
Method:
- Combine mead, apple juice, and brandy in a saucepan with spices and peel.
- Warm gently on low heat. Do not boil, to preserve delicate honey aromas.
- Strain and serve in heatproof glasses or a jug.
The result keeps the familiar festive ritual, the smell of cinnamon and cloves filling the kitchen but layers it over honey richness instead of tannic red wine.
When to Choose Mead vs Mulled Wine
Christmas Mead:
- Intimate gatherings or slow-sipping evenings
- Meals featuring cheese, roasts, or desserts
- A layered, honey-led experience that sparks conversation
Mulled Wine:
- Greeting guests or hosting a larger festive gathering
- Instantly recognisable, classic flavours
- A balanced, approachable drink that evokes nostalgia and comfort
Rather than competitors, the two drinks complement each other. Mulled Wine sets the festive scene; Christmas Mead elevates the moment.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Christmas Mead if:
- You want a mellow, honey-forward winter warmer
- Hosting intimate or reflective occasions
- Pairing with cheese, roasts, or desserts
Choose Mulled Wine if:
- Greeting guests or hosting a larger crowd
- You want classic, instantly festive flavours
- Enjoy bright spice and fruity warmth
Or, of course, enjoy both to create a full spectrum of festive experiences. Every sip a memory, every glass a celebration.
