As the long nights draw in and twinkling Christmas lights emanate a warm glow onto the streets of Birmingham, the festive spirit has most definitely kicked in. All that’s missing is a piping mug of mulled wine to warm our hands and our stomachs as we count down for Christmas. Whether the festive season brings out the jolly elf in you or has you saying ‘bah, humbug!’, the rich, fragrant, and spicy taste of mulled wine makes it that bit better. So forget the espresso martinis and margaritas until the New Year and catch up with loved ones with a mug of mulled wine next to a toasty fire or busting bar at one of these top Birmingham bars.
The Alchemist
Although The Alchemist is famed for its experimental cocktails served to your table straight from the science lab, it also serves the timeless classics — and this season, mulled wine is on its Christmas list. Paired with one of its seasonal main dishes like ‘Buttermilk Turkey in a Basket’, you’re in for a Christmas treat. Of course, the popular country-wide cocktail bar has taken full advantage of its unparalleled mixology skills to create a selection of Christmas-inspired cocktails like the ‘White Forest Gateau’ and ‘Biscoffee Martini’.
Jewellery Quarter Christmas Lights Switch-On
Wrap up warm as you prepare to spend an evening in the Jewellery Quarter’s Golden Square to see the Christmas lights switch-on with a warm mug of mulled wine in hand. As hundreds of jewellery-themed lights and two giant Christmas trees light up the quarter, you’ll be sure to light up too. Of course, the Christmas elves will bring tons more festive moments to this cool community event with caroling, fireworks, performances, and tasty treats.
The High Field, Edgbaston
Avoid the big Christmas crowds of Birmingham city centre and head to edgy Edgbaston for your mulled wine fix instead. When it comes to the festive season, The High Field goes all out. Between its hard-to-come-by heated outdoor terrace, special Christmas menu, and fun line-up of festive events, this underrated bar and restaurant will be sure to show you a merry time. Don’t miss the Jingle Fields Christmas market-style party complete with festive music, fondue, and of course, mulled wine.
Christmas at City Social
If you love a festive market, but prefer something less commercialised and more low-key than the often-crowded Frankfurt Christmas Market, celebrate Christmas at City Social instead. From November 25th to December 18th, the Suffolk Street Queensway underpass by the Mailbox will be transformed into City Social’s ‘epicurean Christmas hang-out’. Think film screenings, live music, events and independent traders. But whilst this market is somewhat alternative, it hasn’t forgotten the festive must-haves like mince pies and mulled wine.
The Botanist – Mixed Spice Mulled Wine
Specialising in natural ingredients and fragrant aromas, The Botanist is always an enticing option for after work cocktails with colleagues or dinner and drinks with friends. But just wait until you try its mulled wine. Blending fresh citrus fruits with a splash of Cab-Sav and a sprinkle of spices, its aromatic concoction will more than satisfy your mulled wine cravings. Pair it with a roasted turkey from their festive menu and followed by a cheeky ‘Candy Cane Collins’.
Miracle on Heath Mill Lane
Those looking for a special group event to kick off the Christmas season just look no further than The Old Crown. This medieval pub may be old, but it’s Miracle on Heath Mill Lane event is set to be one of the most happening hangouts in the city. On weekends beginning the 9th and 16th of December, the pub is hosting a table-only event (starting at £30) for groups of friends, family, and colleagues who want to ring in the season with street food, live music, and mulled wine in the heated beer garden.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham
And to round off our list of the best places to find mulled wine in Birmingham, we have to give a shout out to our much-loved Frankfurt Christmas Market. It may be crowded and slightly overpriced, but the wafts of chestnuts in the air, the sounds of friends getting merrier by the minute, and the sights of alpine market stalls and Christmas lights make the market a must-visit if you want to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, those adorable mugs (which you get to keep at an extra cost) of mulled wine will warm up your hands in no time. Those abstaining from alcohol over the holidays will be pleased to know the market has non-alcoholic options too.
