For many, the festive season is synonymous with the warm, spiced aroma of mulled wine. This year, Marks & Spencer has shaken up tradition with a novel offering in its 2025 Christmas food range: a rosé mulled wine. Promoted as a 'high street first', this £6 bottle promises a twist on the classic winter warmer.
A Festive Experiment with a Pink Twist
Mulled wine, with roots tracing back to Ancient Rome and a strong Victorian-era association with British Christmas, is typically a red wine affair. The rise of rosé's popularity has now inspired this new creation. M&S describes its product as 'expertly blended' with flavours of orange, vanilla, and mulled spices, designed to transform a summery favourite into a cosy festive tipple.
Intrigued by this innovation, our reporter made a special trip to an M&S food hall to secure a bottle for a taste test. The anticipation was high, but it led to an immediate and unexpected reaction upon the first sip.
The First Sip: An Alcoholic Kick
The initial taste was a shock to the senses. Despite having an ABV of 11%, the drink delivered a pronounced alcoholic heat that dominated the throat. This intense kick felt stronger than typical wine, whether served hot or cold, and momentarily overshadowed the promised spice and fruit notes.
While a hint of alcohol is expected in mulled wine, the potency here was borderline distracting. It raised the question of whether the heating process needed to be longer to evaporate more alcohol, though ideally, the product should be balanced straight from the bottle.
Beyond the Shock: A Deliciously Cosy Finish
Persevering past that initial intensity revealed the drink's true character. The bold alcoholic edge gradually gave way to the advertised flavours. The vanilla paired seamlessly with the fruity rosé base, while the orange and mulled spices provided the essential festive warmth.
The final verdict? Once acclimatised, the rosé mulled wine becomes a delicious and cosy drink, distinct enough to warrant a repeat purchase for future Christmas gatherings. It might even inspire attempts to recreate a homemade version.
However, the review concludes with a nod to tradition. For all its novelty, the reporter believes a well-made traditional red mulled wine, especially one crafted from scratch at home, remains the unbeatable champion of the Christmas season.
