Drinking beer in winter? Mulled beer is becoming increasingly popular in our country as well

Mulled beer has a long history. Although you might think of it as a modern gastronomic trend, in fact, the beer-drinking nations of Central and Eastern Europe have long been making mulled beer. The Polish “grzane piwo”, for example, is still a popular winter classic. The traditional version is made from darker, full-bodied beers and is most often flavoured with cinnamon, honey, cloves and sometimes ginger. The hot drink is often flavoured with a slice of lemon, less often with a little rum, and is enjoyed at home, in pubs or at winter festivals.

To the north of our country, we mostly find beer-loving nations, so it is not surprising that in these regions, if you want to have a warm drink in winter, it is usually based on beer. According to Orsolya Radányi, head of the brewery at Etyek Beer Manufactory, Hungary is in a particularly favourable position, as the domestic terroir is ideal for both high-quality wine and beer production.

Just like small-scale brews, mulled beer is also becoming increasingly popular: several breweries in Hungary are experimenting with mulled beer – for example, the Etyek Beer Manufactory near Budapest was among the first ones to start making mulled beer to show that beer can be festive, spicy and warming. The family-run business in Etyek-Botpuszta has been making craft beers since 2015 and it usually offers nearly 30 different types. You can find their small-scale specialities at the Etyek Picnics held in spring and autumn, among other places.

Many of us tend to categorise ourselves based on our 'alcoholic' tastes: being a 'beer' or 'wine' person – and let it be admitted, the festive season is more of a playground for mulled wine drinkers. Yet there is one drink that is undeservedly underrepresented on Christmas stands: mulled beer. This speciality drink brings the festive atmosphere in every way – fragrant, spicy, warming – yet provides a characterful, quality beer experience. It is typically based on stronger, darker beers, such as porter or stout, so the drink retains the classic beer depth. However, for those who crave a lighter flavour, the version made with fruit beer can also be a hit.

According to brewery manager Orsolya Radányi, it is worth experimenting with mulled beer at home too. As with mulled wine, it is not necessary to use the most expensive, premium beer as a basis: a good quality, medium category craft beer can provide the perfect base. Porter and stout are basically made from brown malt, which gives them a dark chocolate, roasted coffee flavour and lower carbonation, making them an excellent base for mulled beer. Feel free to spice them with star anise, cinnamon, honey or cloves to make the experience even more festive. Fruit-based beers harmonize particularly well with dried fruits, apple cubes, blueberries or citrus.

As the base beers usually have an alcohol content of 5–8%, mulled beer is inherently less stronger than mulled wine. However, the basic rule is important here too: we do not boil beer! It is enough to heat it to 60–65 °C – this way neither the alcohol nor the aromas will evaporate. The result: a pleasantly spicy, warming winter drink.

Finally: although the competition of mulled wine is still a rare guest at Advent fairs and festivals, it is worth keeping an eye on the offerings at Advent fairs: in Debrecen, Eger, Győr, Pécs and Szeged, among others, you can also find special mulled beer at vendors!

Hello Hungary tip: the Etyek Beer Manufactory celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2025, which they would like to celebrate with a winter beer speciality with a brand new recipe. You can taste their latest brew, as well as many other beer specialities, during brewery tours organized on Saturdays.