Germans deprived of mulled wine in Christmas lockdown

People hold cups of mulled wine on the street as the restaurants and bars have to stay closed due to the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rules in Berlin, Germany, December 10, 2020. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, Germany (Reuters) - Germany's tightened lockdown measures have eliminated one remnant of seasonal frivolity: "Gluehwein" or mulled wine, a staple of Christmas markets usually served in steaming mugs on cold days in town squares round the nation.

A blanket outdoor alcohol ban, starting mid-week, was announced on Sunday among measures to curb the coronavirus second wave.