A MAJOR UK supermarket has become the first to launch a white mulled wine just in time for Christmas.
The festive beverage has become a Christmas staple, and shoppers will be racing to stores to try the new variation.
Marks & Spencers has stocked its shelves with new White Mulled Wine (75cl, 11 per cent), scanning at the tills for just £6.50.
The new Christmas-themed drink combines pear, vanilla and spice flavour mulled wine.
The retailer chose the white variation to offer a refreshing alternative to the “heavy, oaky, and often strong reds” that can feel overwhelming for drinkers.
Maddie Love, a product developer at M&S, added: “Lighter, fruitier notes will appeal to those who prefer a more delicate flavour profile.”
M&S’s festive drink was inspired by the German and Austrian Christmas markets, where white mulled wine is a popular choice.
The popularity of alcoholic beverages has surged in recent years, driven by the rise of European-style Christmas markets across the UK.
However, some argue that introducing the festive drink is a strategy to boost alcohol sales over Christmas, as younger generations tend to drink less than their parents.
Honey Spencer, a restaurant owner in Hackney, east London, said: “I think this product development is more an attempt to keep consumers drinking alcohol in the first place rather than a reaction to changing tastes.”
Shoppers can head to their nearest M&S branch to grab the new festive drink.
It comes as the major supermarket chains announced more than 450 items including new and returning dishes to their Christmas range.
M&S is renowned for its Christmas food, it’s the time of year when shoppers upgrade their usual food shop and spend a little bit more as a treat.
That means the competition is fierce as supermarkets battle for customers’ attention.
Behind the scenes, workers at the iconic retailer revealed that Brits are drawn to classic products with a small twist.
Speculoo flavour is about as wild out as you’ll find. Where you will see creativity though is the designs.
A so-called “hero” product – something M&S is betting on being a big talker and seller – is the Santa’s Workshop Musical Light-Up Tin.
Sparks is already known for its gorgeous light-up house tins – and they are coming back to shelves again.
But the newest invention that M&S expects shoppers to rush to stores for is a musical box.
Wind up the tin and you can watch Santa’s helpers prepare for Christmas. With lights, music, mirrors and moving parts, the £10 (400g) tin is a delightful keepsake for kids and adults. Oh, and it is filled with chocolate chip cookie stars.
Another new creation is a magical snowing forest. Not only does this box of chocs light up there’s a flurry of snow when switched on, like a never-ending snow globe.
For £15 (200g) you get crunchy Belgian milk and blond ganache truffles, and a pretty decoration.
The flavour trend of the cold season is hot honey, which has been added to everything from crisps and popcorn to brie and pigs in blankets.
White Mulled Wine, £6, 11% – 5/10
An interesting twist, but I prefer my white wine cool and crisp, so not for me.
Turkey Feast dip, TBC, – 10/10
A mouthful of Christmas, top of my shopping list and I’ll be eating it all winter.
Turkey Feast lasagne, £10 750g – 8/10
Rich and festive, another dish that is spot on with the essential flavours of Christmas, but I’d need a small portion as it’s very creamy.
Hot Honey Brie Brulee £7, 288g – 8/10
A cheesy dream, with extra zing from the hot honey and a bit of crunch, a great combo of flavours and a winter warmer.
Halloumi in Blankets with Hot Honey, £5.50, 240g – 10/10
A surprise hit with soft and creamy centres. Possibly better than the originals.
Instead of sausages, the piggies are filled with halloumi and covered with a hot honey drizzle.
The combo of sweet and spicy glaze is moreish and seeps in to the cheese making it a deliciously soft and sweet eat. At £5.50 (240g) for 12, I’ll be stocking up on a few to snack on between now and the big day.
Equally cheesy and delicious is the baked hot honey brie brulee (£7, 288g), which M&S hopes will be a viral hit on social media.
It’s a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar.
As you pop it under the grill for a cracking top, just like a sweet creme brulee, it’s even more indulgent and warming. Perfect for cold winter nights.
