31
Dec,2025
When the fog rolls in off the Thames and the streetlights flicker on early, Londoners don’t just pull their coats tighter-they reach for something warmer. Not just tea. Not just coffee. Something with a little kick, a little spice, and a lot of soul. That’s where mulled wine and hot toddies come in. These aren’t just drinks. They’re rituals. And in London’s coldest months, they’re everywhere-from cozy basement pubs in Shoreditch to candlelit corners of Mayfair townhouses.
Mulled Wine: More Than Just Spiced Red
Mulled wine in London isn’t the same as what you get at a Christmas market stall in Germany. Here, it’s refined. It’s layered. It’s often made with Port or Pinot Noir, not cheap supermarket red. Bars like The Connaught and The Lanesborough use whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange zest, and a splash of dark rum or brandy to deepen the flavor. Some even add a touch of black pepper or vanilla bean for warmth that lingers.
It’s served in thick ceramic mugs, not glass. That’s intentional. The heat stays longer. The scent rises slower. You don’t gulp it-you breathe it in first. In Camden, The Electric serves theirs with a candied orange slice and a cinnamon stick that doubles as a stirrer. In Notting Hill, Bar Termini adds a whisper of cloves and lets it steep overnight. The result? A drink that tastes like a wool blanket and a fireplace had a baby.
Hot Toddies: The Quiet Hero of Winter
If mulled wine is the party, the hot toddy is the friend who shows up with a blanket and a listening ear. It’s simple: whisky, honey, lemon, hot water, and a cinnamon stick. But the magic is in the details. London bartenders don’t use cheap blended whisky. They go for single malts-Islay for smoke, Speyside for sweetness, Highland for balance. The honey? Raw, local, and unfiltered. The lemon? Freshly squeezed, peel and all.
At The Churchill in Chelsea, they age their honey with orange peel for three weeks before mixing. At The Bar at 45 in Belgravia, they warm the glass first. Why? So the drink doesn’t cool too fast. You’re not just drinking warmth-you’re holding it. And in a city where winters feel colder than they used to be, that matters.
One bartender at St. John in Smithfield told me, "A good toddy doesn’t fix the weather. It just makes you feel like you’re not alone in it." That’s the real point. It’s not about alcohol content. It’s about comfort.
Why These Drinks Work for Women in Winter
Let’s be real-winter in London doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman. But the way women drink it? That’s different. Mulled wine and hot toddies aren’t about showing off. They’re about feeling safe, warm, and cared for. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or a fancy garnish. You need a quiet corner, a friend beside you, and something that warms you from the inside out.
Women in London aren’t just ordering these drinks because they’re trendy. They’re choosing them because they work. Mulled wine is sweet but not cloying. It doesn’t leave you dizzy. Hot toddies don’t mask the taste of alcohol-they balance it. And both are low in sugar compared to sugary cocktails that dominate summer nights. You can sip one slowly over two hours. You can have two without feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.
At Bar Zaza in Soho, they serve a version of the hot toddy with ginger syrup and a drop of orange blossom water. It’s floral, spicy, and soothing. No one asks for it because it’s Instagrammable. They ask for it because it makes their hands stop shaking from the cold.
Where to Find the Best in London Right Now
Here’s where you’ll find the real deal this December:
- The Connaught Bar (Mayfair): Their mulled wine uses Château Léoville-Poyferré and Grand Marnier. Served with a sprig of rosemary.
- Bar Termini (Notting Hill): Their toddy uses Oban 14 and Manuka honey. The lemon peel is candied in-house.
- The Electric (Camden): The only place in London that adds star anise to their mulled wine and lets it steep for 12 hours.
- St. John (Smithfield): Their version uses Smoked Honey and Black Pepper. It’s earthy. It’s bold. It’s unforgettable.
- Bar Zaza (Soho): The ginger-orange toddy. Best after a long day of shopping or walking through Hyde Park.
Most of these places don’t advertise their winter drinks on Instagram. You have to ask. "What’s your best warm drink tonight?" That’s the secret phrase.
Make It at Home-No Fancy Gear Needed
You don’t need a slow cooker or a copper pot. Just a saucepan, a wooden spoon, and 20 minutes.
Simple Mulled Wine Recipe:
- Put 1 bottle of good red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot) in a pot.
- Add 1 orange, sliced (leave the peel on).
- Drop in 4 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 star anise.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 shot of brandy.
- Heat on low-don’t boil. Let it bubble gently for 15 minutes.
- Strain into mugs. Add a cinnamon stick to each.
Simple Hot Toddy Recipe:
- Warm a mug by rinsing it with hot water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Squeeze in half a lemon.
- Pour in 2 ounces of single malt whisky.
- Top with boiling water.
- Stir with a cinnamon stick. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
That’s it. No sugar syrup. No fancy liqueurs. Just real ingredients and patience.
What to Avoid
Don’t buy pre-made mulled wine from the supermarket. It’s full of artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup. It tastes like a candle that’s been lit too long.
Don’t use cheap whisky in a toddy. It’ll burn your throat and leave a metallic aftertaste. Spend the extra £5 on a bottle you’d actually drink neat.
And don’t serve these drinks too hot. If you can’t hold the mug, it’s too hot. You’re not making soup. You’re making warmth that lasts.
Why This Matters Now
Winter 2025 in London feels different. The nights are longer. The wind cuts sharper. People are tired. These drinks aren’t just about taste-they’re about resilience. They’re about slowing down. About sharing a quiet moment when the world outside feels too loud.
Women in London aren’t just drinking mulled wine and toddies because they’re seasonal. They’re drinking them because they’re one of the few things that still feel human in a city that moves too fast. You don’t need a reservation. You don’t need a dress. You just need a mug, a friend, and the courage to sit still for a little while.
Is mulled wine alcoholic?
Yes, traditional mulled wine is alcoholic. It’s made with red wine, and while some alcohol evaporates when heated, most remains-typically around 8-10% ABV. If you want a non-alcoholic version, swap the wine for grape juice and add a splash of brandy or rum extract for flavor.
Can I make hot toddies without whisky?
Absolutely. Many London bars now offer versions with gin, rum, or even tequila. For a non-alcoholic option, use strong black tea or spiced apple cider as the base. Honey and lemon still work perfectly.
What’s the best wine for mulled wine in London?
Mid-range reds like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Tempranillo work best. Avoid heavy tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon-they turn bitter when heated. Look for bottles under £15 that are fruity and smooth. You don’t need an expensive wine, but you do need a good one.
Are hot toddies good for colds?
They won’t cure a cold, but they help. The steam clears sinuses. Honey soothes sore throats. Lemon gives vitamin C. And the warmth relaxes tense muscles. It’s not medicine-it’s comfort. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Where can I find the best mulled wine in London this winter?
Top spots include The Connaught Bar, Bar Termini, The Electric, and St. John. Most open by 4pm in December and keep their warm drinks on the menu until late January. Ask for "the house mulled wine"-it’s usually the best one.
If you’re out tonight, skip the crowded clubs. Find a quiet pub. Order a warm drink. Let the steam rise. Let the silence settle. Winter in London isn’t about being seen. It’s about being felt. And these drinks? They make sure you feel it.
