November 25, 2025, 4:14 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
If you’re complaining about the rising prices of mulled wine at Christmas markets this year, take a look at this special case: In Munich, a mulled wine is being offered for a hefty 18 euros. Here’s what makes this hot drink so expensive.
Right in front of the Hotel Sofitel near Munich’s main train station stands a festively decorated Christmas hut that has been attracting visitors since 2019. Here, a mulled wine is served that is anything but ordinary: The drink contains fine Perrier-Jouët champagne. Hotel spokeswoman Eva Schömann told BILD: “When you consider what a glass of champagne costs, the champagne mulled wine is actually a bargain.”
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The exact recipe of the drink remains a secret. It is only known that the mulled wine consists of two-thirds white mulled wine, complemented by champagne and selected ingredients that provide a fresh citrus note. The idea came from the in-house bartender, who was tasked with developing a very special blend for the Sofitel hut. “We are a French hotel group in Germany and wanted to combine the best of both worlds. That’s how the champagne mulled wine came about,” the spokeswoman continued.
However, implementing the idea was not easy. When heated, the champagne would lose its carbonation. The solution: “To keep the champagne bubbly, it is freshly poured à la minute,” Schömann explains.
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Design Mug Instead of Deposit Cup
The hotel also emphasizes individuality with the drinking vessel. Each year, a specially designed mug is used to further enhance the high-quality experience. There is no deposit–the mug can be taken home. Starting November 28, the champagne mulled wine will be served in front of the Sofitel hotel–under a 16-meter-high Christmas tree. The Christmas hut is open daily from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and is not limited to hotel guests.
Alternatives for the Budget-Conscious
For those who find 18 euros too much for a mulled wine or prefer the classic version, there are conventional options: Red or white mulled wine without a shot costs 7 euros at the Sofitel hut.
At many Christmas markets in Germany, prices have increased significantly this year–by up to 25 percent in some cases. Nevertheless, it remains generally cheaper than the hotel’s regular mulled wine: At most markets, the price currently ranges between 4.50 and 5 euros.