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Originally published by Catharina Cheung. Last updated by Beverly Ngai.
With temperatures dipping rather rapidly and Christmas fast approaching, what better way to embrace this magical season than by cradling a cup of hot mulled wine? Also known as spiced wine, this festive alcoholic beverage is essentially red wine boiled with a wide variety of mulling spices, such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and more, and also with fruits and juice. The result is an aromatic mug that truly warms you from the heart, surrounding you in a scent cloud that is quintessentially Christmas. Think we’re being overly romantic? Head to the spots below for a cup of spiced mulled wine and see for yourself. Serving suggestion: with a carolling choir nearby and a loved one by your side!
Take in sweeping vistas of Victoria Harbour whilst savouring on mulled wine and festive eats at this modern Australian restaurant perched on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Throughout December, diners tuck into a medley of holiday-inspired dishes from Hue’s sumptuous Christmas meal sets and high teas. Hue’s afternoon tea with a view ($680 for two persons) includes a three-tiered platter filled with bite-sized treats like Gruyère custard puffs, octopus skewers, blood orange curd tartlets, scones with cream & jam, and more. And since it’s the season of indulgence, we say swap out your usual pairing of tea or coffee with Steffan’s Christmas mulled wine ($55)!
Hue, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1/F, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3500 5888
Set against the beachy shores of Repulse Bay, this causal beachside eatery is the perfect place to lean back and enjoy a comforting cup of tangy cinnamony goodness. Sip Song adds a unique Thai twist to their mulled wine ($90), infusing the classic holiday beverage with Sangsom rum, lemongrass, oranges, and a blend of festive spices that will no doubt get you into the Christmas spirit and bring on all the warm and fuzzy feels!
Sip Song, Shop 114 & 115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay | (+852) 2898 3788
We do love a good Christmas dinner, but year in year out it’s the same fare. If you want to shake things up a little this year, Duddell’s is your best bet. Their Christmas brunch ($888 for adults; $250 for children below 10) will be running from 25 to 27 December and includes stations dedicated to crispy sucking pig and Peking duck, dim sum, and premium seafood options. Upgrade to the $1,200 package for free-flow Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, cocktails like Bellinis, mimosas, Aperol Spritz, Bloody Marys, espresso martinis, and, of course, homemade mulled wine!
Duddell’s, 3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central | (+852) 2525 9191
We can always count on this Central gastropub to bring us an enticing festive feast. If you’re looking to truly throw out all the stops, head on down to Mr Wolf for their lunch set menu ($218). Plenty of sharing starters, turkey, roast sirloin, seared salmon, and much more await you. The mains are followed by a cheese selection, Christmas puddings, and poached pear. Add an extra $70 to wash down your holiday feast with quince and prosecco fizz or a steaming cup of mulled wine!
Mr Wolf, 5/F, Crawford House, 70 Queen’s Road Central, Central | (+852) 2526 0838
Hong Kong’s night views really hit different, so pop on over to The Beer Bay and order a mulled wine to warm your hands with before you spend an evening gazing out across Victoria Harbour. Their mulled wine is $60 for a small serving, $99 for a double, and $85 for a top-up. Stroll along the harbourfront and take in the view, or perch on the seating areas dotted around if you can find a good busker performing nearby for extra ambience.
The Beer Bay, Pier 3 & 4, Central Ferry Pier, Man Kwong Street, Central | (+852) 3481 7290
Feather & Bone will present two delicious Christmas sharing menus, and both come with citrus-spiked mulled wine to toast the festivities with. For $598, diners are treated to a spread of olives, fresh salad, and quality cured meats, a roast turkey roulade centrepiece, fig and cinnamon stuffing, pork sausages, and many more fantastic sides. Round off your meal with classic festive desserts like Christmas pudding and eggnog custard! A vegetarian option is also available for the same price.
If you haven’t heard the news already, Café Gray Deluxe will be closing its doors at the end of this month after 11 years of operation. While we are sad to bid farewell, there is still a chance to enjoy one last luxurious feast at this stylish European dining destination. On 24 and 25 December, they will be offering specially curated holiday lunch and dinner menus that include everything from roasted turkey and wagyu beef cheek to white chocolate yule log and Christmas bonbons. And of course, for the ultimate festive dining experience, complete your meal with a rich and spicy glass of mulled wine ($118)!
Café Gray Deluxe, 49/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | (+852) 3968 1106
Catharina has recently returned to her hometown of Hong Kong after spending her formative years in Singapore and the UK. She enjoys scouring the city for under-the-radar things to do, see, and eat, and is committed to finding the perfect foundation that will withstand Hong Kong’s heat. She is also an aspiring polyglot, a firm advocate for feminist and LGBTQIA+ issues, and a huge lover of animals. You can find her belting out show-tunes in karaoke, or in bookstores adding new tomes to her ever-growing collection.
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