Any other time of the year and the idea of a warm beverage boggles the mind. But somehow at Christmas, it just feels right. Mulled wine is a must for all during the festive season. But in recent years mulled cider (which Bristolians especially love) has become increasingly popular too.
The sweet, cinnamon smell warms our hearts and frozen fingers every year. We just can’t get enough. That’s why we’ve been on the lookout for the very best places to find mulled wine and mulled cider this Christmastime.
1. Jäger Barn Bar
Bristol Christmas Market is in full festive swing. So where better to pick up a glass of mulled wine or mulled cider in Bristol than at Jäger Barn Bar. It’s the perfect drink to accompany you, as you wander around the Christmas stalls buying presents and trying bratwurst. If you fancy something even more snug, why not cosy up in your very own private igloo pod?
Broadmead, Bristol BS1 1UX
2. The Cider Box
Bristolians love their scrumpy. So it only feels right that mulled cider has become all the rage here. Something to bring a little sunshine to these grey and rainy days. If that sounds up your street, look no further than The Cider Box. They’re serving fresh farmhouse cider “gently heated with spices including juniper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and star anise” at both their Tap Room and Wapping Wharf store.
Arch 5 Silverthorne Ln, Bristol BS2 0QD
Unit 10, Cargo2, Bristol BS1 6ZA
3. The Apple
We did say Bristol loves its cider, didn’t we? So of course The Apple is getting in on the action with some more mulled cider. Homemade on the boat from a blend of local Somerset cider and some secret ingredients, the cider pub has several different flavours to try too. Try the classic flavour, or push the boat out with: almond with Amaretto, raspberry with Chambord, or orange with Cointreau.
The Apple, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB
4. Corks of Bristol
If you want to make your own mulled wine, you should go somewhere that knows about good wine Corks of Bristol has locations in Redland and Bedminster that are perfect for picking up a bottle or two… or three, this Christmas. Pick up some ready-made spice mixes, alongside the best red wines to use. They might even suggest some boozy extras to give your recipe an extra-special kick!
Corks of Cotham, 54 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JX
Corks of North Street, 79 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1ES
5. The Hole In The Wall
This historic pub can trace its history back to the 18th century and was a popular drinking hole for sailors – and even inspired the pub from Treasure Island. These days, The Hole In The Wall is more of a gastropub, somehow balancing a cosy yet roomy atmosphere. It’s serving mulled wine throughout the festive period, which will certainly warm you up after along day at sea.
Hole In The Wall, 2 The Grove, Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4QZ
6. The All Inn
Fishponds’ newest, trendiest neighbourhood pub is jumping on the mulled wine bandwagon. The All Inn only opened in May but knows Bristol well enough already to be serving up some mulled cider too. While there, you can also grab a wide selection of craft beers, authentic Neapolitan pizza and its signature dirty Dodo Burgers.
The All Inn, 1 Staple Hill Rd, Bristol BS16 5AA
7. The Mall Deli
It’s not a pub where you can hunker down from the cold, but The Mall Deli is an ideal pitstop next time you’re shopping around Clifton Village. Fight off the cold weather with a warming cup of mulled wine next time you’re out this way. Maybe pick up a few festive goodies while you’re popping your head in too.
The Mall Deli, 14 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DR
8. The Coronation Tap
If you’re looking for some mulled cider that will blow your Christmas hats off, check out The Cori Tap. The 18th-century boozer is using its exclusively brewed Exhibition cider to make the warm drink (which comes in at 8.2%). If that doesn’t sound strong enough, you can also and a shot of your choice for an extra £1!
The Coronation Tap, 8 Sion Place Clifton Bristol BS8 4AX