Price Czech: Where to find Prague's cheapest and most expensive mulled wine

A comparison of svařák at Christmas markets shows that Prague's spendiest cup of mulled wine is the price of a bottle this year.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 09.12.2024 13:30:00 (updated on 11.12.2024) Reading time: 2 minutes

A steaming cup of svařák (mulled wine) is a cherished tradition at Czech Advent markets, but this year, its cost may leave you with more than just a warm glow. While the recipe for this spiced winter classic has remained largely unchanged since its Roman origins—red wine simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus—the price tag has not. In some locations, the cost of a single cup rivals that of an entire bottle of red wine.

Prices for mulled wine and other food and drinks at Czech Christmas markets are rising again this year, continuing an upward trend from previous years.

Visitors to Prague’s Old Town Square will pay around CZK 10 more for two deciliters of mulled wine with similar increases reported in Brno. The hikes, averaging 5–10 percent, are driven by the rising costs of raw materials like apples, higher wages for seasonal workers, and inflation. 

Svařák prices across Prague

  • Old Town Square: Prices jumped by 5 percent; svařák is now at CZK 100.
  • Wenceslas Square: Svařák ranges from CZK 100-120 (also a jump from last year).
  • Náměstí Míru: Out of the center you'll pay a little less, CZK 80.
  • Jiřího z Poděbrad: Svařák starts at a relatively modest CZK 65 here.
  • Mariánské Náměstí: This small market, near Old Town Square, sells svařák for CZK 65.

In Brno, prices also rose by a few percent with mulled wine priced at CZK 60-75 this year. While a mulled wine in Old Town may seem expensive to locals, it's actually the fourth cheapest mulled wine in the 2024 Christmas Market Barometer survey (in Denmark you'll pay double that).

The barometer named Prague the fifth-best value market after Bratislava, Vilnius, Riga, and Gdansk, respectively. Denmark and Vienna took the first and second spots respectively as the most expensive Christmas Market destinations.

The cheapest svařák will be the one you make at home. In Prague, according to Expatistan cost of living calculator, a decent bottle of red table wine costs CZK 147 (though when it comes to svařák it's ok to skimp, afterall, during the communist era warming up wine with sugar and spices wasn't just tradition; it helped mask the imperfections of cheap vino.

This recipe, shared with us by sommelier Roman Novotný from Prague wine bar Bokovka calls for spices, plummy red wine, and garnishes of citrus, raisins, or dried plums.

Mulled wine

Budget-saver's svařák

Ingredients (For 1½ liters of wine):

  • 8 cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 pieces of star anise
  • 150 g sugar or honey
  • 2 bottles of wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Frankovka recommended)
  • 200–300 ml water
  • Spice sachet (made from muslin or cheesecloth)

Method

  • 1.Prepare the spice sachet: Place cloves, cinnamon, and star anise in a muslin or cheesecloth sachet.
  • 2.Make the spiced syrup: Heat 200–300 ml of water in a saucepan, add sugar or honey, and caramelize lightly. Add the spice sachet and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool to about 50°C.
  • 3.Combine with wine: Slowly mix the spiced syrup with the wine, heating gently (do not boil). Remove from heat when foam appears.
  • 4.Serve: Garnish with a slice of orange, raisins, or dried plums for added sweetness and festive flair.

For a citrusy upgrade see our recipe here.

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