Mulled Wine: Hungary’s winter warm up

Mulled wine, or forralt bor, is an essential part of the winter and Christmas season in Budapest and almost anywhere in Hungary. The warm, spiced drink can be found all over the city, served in a variety of containers and handed out in plastic cups for on-the-go enjoyment. Every family and vendor has their own recipe for forralt bor, but one thing remains constant: it’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

When enjoying a mulled wine in Hungary, there are a few important things to remember. While both white and rosé forralt bor are available, traditionalists prefer the red variety. The spices and seasonings in the drink benefit from the mellow heft of a dry red wine, even if it’s a cheap one. The wine itself is not the hero of the mulled wine; it’s the selection and balance of the other ingredients.

Don’t be a wine snob when it comes to your forralt bor. The wine used for street-bought forralt bor is usually on the cheap side. However, the wine is merely a delivery system for the spices and alcohol. It’s essential that the forralt bor is not actually boiled, despite its name, as boiling would evaporate the alcohol. Despite its sweet and tart flavors, there should be a noticeable bite from the alcohol, reminding you that you’re stealing a little celebration and gifting yourself a moment of respite from the day’s demands.

Discover Budapest’s Top 5 Mulled Wine Hotspots for a Cozy Experience

The warm embrace of a mug filled with spiced mulled wine is best enjoyed in a cozy, homey atmosphere, surrounded by friends. Crafting this comforting beverage at home is the ideal scenario, but sometimes the messy and labor-intensive process can be off-putting. Instead, we may prefer to unwind at a downtown hangout, sipping on steamy cups of red, white, or rosé mulled wine. However, low-quality ingredients often find their way into these drinks, leaving us disappointed with the taste. Fear not, as the “forralt bor” served at these five Budapest hotspots will surely exceed your expectations.

 4Street Hordó:

For years, Móricz Zsigmond Square in Budapest lacked appealing hangout spots, leaving locals and visitors searching for a pleasant place to unwind. However, the recent revitalization of the area has transformed it into a bustling hub of activity, with new establishments breathing life into the once-quiet square. One such gem is 4Street Café, a delightful spot that has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

4Street Café is a welcoming oasis that caters to those seeking warmth and comfort during the chilly winter months. Offering a delightful selection of hot beverages, including tea, hot punch, and the ever-popular mulled wine, this charming café provides the perfect respite for those waiting to meet friends or simply looking to escape the cold. The cozy atmosphere is further enhanced by the availability of blankets, which patrons can request to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the warm ambiance.

One of the café’s most appealing features is its affordable pricing, with a 3-decilitre serving of their delicious mulled wine available for just 500 HUF. This budget-friendly option ensures that everyone can enjoy the flavors of the season without breaking the bank. In addition to their signature mulled wine, 4Street Café also offers a variety of sweet treats, making it an ideal destination for those with a sweet tooth.

 Borkas Food Truck:

The iconic blue-and-orange vehicle at the Élesztő Food Truck Garden has long been a familiar sight for locals and visitors alike. This winter, the popular spot has undergone a delightful transformation, shifting its focus from fröccs to a mouthwatering selection of mulled wine. The truck’s dedicated team strives to offer unique and creative options, ensuring that their mulled wine offerings stand out from the rest.

In addition to the classic white, rosé, and red versions, the blue-and-orange vehicle boasts an impressive array of 21 special mulled wine varieties, all crafted from the exquisite beverages of the Monostor estate. Each flavor has been carefully curated to provide a one-of-a-kind experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Among the unique offerings, the apple-pie red mulled wine has quickly become a fan favorite, with its delightful combination of fruity and spicy notes. For those who prefer a floral twist, the lavender-infused white mulled wine is sure to please, while the orange-infused rosé offers a refreshing citrusy zing. Chocolate lovers will be thrilled to discover the decadent chocolate red mulled wine, a perfect blend of rich cocoa and warming spices.

The prices for these delightful mulled wine creations are equally appealing, with a 3-decilitre serving available for just 750 HUF. For an additional 150 forints, patrons can indulge in the unique flavorings that elevate these beverages to a whole new level of deliciousness.

In conclusion, the blue-and-orange vehicle at the Élesztő Food Truck Garden has successfully transformed into a mulled wine hotspot this winter, offering a diverse and creative selection of drinks that cater to all tastes. With 21 unique mulled wine varieties to choose from, including the popular apple-pie red and the decadent chocolate red, there’s something for everyone at this delightful food truck garden. So, be sure to stop by and experience the warmth and flavors of these one-of-a-kind mulled wine creations.

 Castro Bistro (Closed):

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Budapest, Castro Bistro has long been a popular hangout spot at Madách Square. This cozy and inviting establishment has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to unwind and socialize. One of the key factors contributing to Castro Bistro’s enduring popularity is its signature prune-flavored mulled wine, a winter season staple that has been crafted using the same beloved recipe for years.

What sets Castro Bistro’s mulled wine apart is the careful preparation process, which ensures that the uplifting alcohol content remains intact, providing patrons with a pleasantly warming sensation after just three deciliters. This dedication to preserving the true essence of mulled wine has earned the bistro a loyal following of fans who appreciate the authentic flavors and the comforting effects of this wintertime treat.

The inviting ambiance of Castro Bistro is further enhanced by its affordability, with a decilitre of their delightful prune-flavored mulled wine available for just 250 HUF. This budget-friendly pricing makes it easy for friends to gather and enjoy the cozy atmosphere without breaking the bank.

ÉS Bisztró:

ÉS Bisztró offers a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby Váci Street. The terrace of this charming establishment has been transformed into a winter bar, complete with a hütte vibe that exudes a sense of serenity and warmth.

Upon entering the terrace, you’ll be greeted by an array of cool decorations, heaters, and skis that evoke the feeling of a quaint alpine resort. To further enhance the cozy atmosphere, blankets are readily available for patrons to snuggle up in as they enjoy the mouthwatering offerings.

The festive pop-up hütte at ÉS Bisztró serves a variety of delectable dishes, including the classic Central European Tafelspitz sandwich and hot goulash soup of excellent quality. A standout treat on the menu is the steamed sweet dumplings, a beloved favorite at ski resorts that is rarely found elsewhere.

When it comes to beverages, ÉS Bisztró offers a selection of mulled wine in white, rosé, and red variations. The rosé mulled wine is a true standout, with its unique blend of star anise and citrus notes creating an almost Oriental flavor profile that will captivate your taste buds.

The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the special ÉS mugs, crafted especially for the holiday season. These mugs not only add to the charm of the experience but also keep your mulled wine warm as you savor each sip.

Prices for the mulled wine start at 1,100 HUF for a 3-decilitre serving, with a deposit of 1,500 HUF for the commemorative mug. This affordable pricing ensures that everyone can indulge in the flavors and ambiance of this enchanting winter terrace.

 Pest-Buda:

Pest-Buda, a charming restaurant specializing in authentic Hungarian flavors, is nestled in the heart of Buda Castle housed within the city’s oldest inn, this delightful establishment offers a truly unique dining experience that transports patrons back in time.

As you explore the historic streets of the Castle District, be sure to stop by Pest-Buda for a taste of their traditional mulled wine. This beloved winter beverage is crafted with care, using a blend of classic spices such as cloves, oranges, and cinnamon. The result is a comforting and flavorful drink that will warm your soul after a long walk through the city’s most historic neighborhood.

The mulled wine at Pest-Buda is not only delicious but also affordable, with prices starting at 400 HUF per deciliter. Please note that a service charge will be added to your bill, ensuring that you can fully enjoy your experience without any unexpected surprises.

Pest-Buda offers a delightful taste of traditional Hungarian mulled wine in the heart of Budapest’s Castle District. With its historic setting and authentic flavors, this charming restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind and savor the warm, comforting essence of this beloved winter beverage.

In summary, while making mulled wine at home may be the preferred method, these five Budapest hotspots offer an unforgettable experience that showcases the true essence of forralt bor. Treat yourself to a warm and inviting atmosphere, accompanied by the delightful flavors of Hungary’s beloved mulled wine at these exceptional locations.

source: www.welovebudapest.com