Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine Recipes for Christmas in July

There’s something undeniably cosy about celebrating Christmas in July. While the Southern Hemisphere basks in festive spirit mid-winter, it’s the perfect excuse to break out the warm jumpers, deck the halls, and indulge in hearty, soul-warming drinks. Whether you’re planning a laid-back night by the fire or exploring Christmas in July party ideas with friends and family, no gathering is complete without a mug of rich hot chocolate or a fragrant glass of mulled wine in hand. Let’s explore a few classic recipes—with a little twist—to bring some festive flair to your winter celebration.

Decadent Hot Chocolate Recipes

Classic Creamy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full cream milk
• ½ cup thickened cream
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• Marshmallows or whipped cream, to top

Method:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Stir continuously until warm, then add the chopped chocolate.
3. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes silky and smooth.
4. Serve hot with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a handful of marshmallows.

Tip: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick while heating for extra warmth and depth.

Spiced Hot Chocolate (Adults Only)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond or oat milk
• 150g milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 30ml Baileys or spiced rum

Method:

1. Warm the milk in a small pot with cinnamon and nutmeg.
2. Stir in the chocolate until completely melted.
3. Remove from heat and add Baileys or rum just before serving.
4. Garnish with grated chocolate or a cinnamon stick.

Hearty Mulled Wine Recipes

Traditional Mulled Red Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (Shiraz or Merlot work beautifully)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• Optional: 60ml brandy

Method:

1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except the brandy.
2. Warm gently over low heat—avoid boiling to preserve the alcohol.
3. Let it steep for 20–30 minutes.
4. Stir in brandy (if using) just before serving.
5. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a slice of orange or cinnamon stick.

White Mulled Wine with Apple and Ginger

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Optional: 30ml elderflower liqueur

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients (except liqueur) in a pot and heat on low.
2. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to allow flavours to infuse.
3. Add elderflower liqueur for a floral twist just before serving.
4. Strain into glasses and serve warm.

A Toast to Mid-Year Cheer

Whether you’re gathered around the fire with a mug of hot chocolate or clinking glasses of steaming mulled wine under twinkling fairy lights, these recipes are sure to bring festive joy to your wintery celebration. Pair them with a playlist of carols, a table full of roast veggies and puddings, and a few fun Christmas in July party ideas, and you’ll have all the ingredients for a magical night. Cheers to good company, warm drinks, and a little mid-year Christmas cheer!