Hot Mulled Wine Recipe
Beat the Winter Blues with this Traditional Warm and Spiced Drink
Mulled wine is a traditional warm beverage made from red wine and a mixture of sugar and spices. This simple recipe is delicious and easy to make.
Though mulled wine is often enjoyed over the holidays as a festive tradition, a glass of this steaming beverage is a wonderful way to help chase away the cold on a snowy winter evening. The term “mulled” simply means that the wine (usually red) is heated and spiced. This drink dates back several centuries to medieval Europe, and a multitude of cultures have developed their own unique variations on the recipe.
Pre-mixed packages of mulled wine spices are often sold in fine wine shops and specialty food stores. However, it is quite easy to make mulled wine at home.
Spicy Ingredients
Mulled wine is commonly made with a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and sugar. Other spices that are frequently used include cardamom, nutmeg, peppercorns, vanilla, and lemon or orange zest. Molasses, brown sugar, or honey can also be substituted for the sugar. Some versions also add almonds and raisins.
How to Make Mulled Wine: Tips and Tricks
There are several methods of making mulled wine. The first method involves heating the red wine first, and then adding the spices. This works best when all the spices are powdered and can dissolve easily.
Another method involves boiling the sugar and spices in a small amount of water for a few minutes, and then adding the red wine. The mixture is then heated for several more minutes. This method works best with whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom seeds, peppercorns, and vanilla beans, as they require extended boiling time to release their flavors. Straining is done just prior to serving in order to remove the residual sediment and solid particles.
A third method involves wrapping whole spices and pieces of fruit in cheesecloth, and then adding this, along with some sugar, to the wine. This mixture is heated over low heat for several minutes, and the bag of spices is removed before serving.
Choosing a Wine to Mull
When choosing a wine for mulling, pick something full-bodied, as heavier reds will better withstand heating and spicing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Shiraz, and Zinfandel are all good choices. However, overly oaked wines should be avoided, as they will clash with some of the more delicate spice flavours. Port and other types of fortified wine may also be used; however, when using these wines the amount of sugar added should be greatly reduced or even eliminated altogether, depending on the wine’s level of sweetness and one’s personal preference.
Recipe for Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750mL) red wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
Directions:
- In a large pot, bring the water and spices to a slow boil for five minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the wine, and then warm on low heat for 30 minutes. Make sure not to let the wine boil, as this will burn off the alcohol and destroy the flavours.
- After the wine is done heating, strain through fine cheesecloth and serve. Makes 4 servings.
