Wine is perfect in any season, but mulled wine is the perfect beverage for the cold late autumn or winter days and nights.
Whether you’re getting cosy by the fire or you’ve just finished wrapping Christmas presents, mulled wine is the go-to for warming your body and soul.
But how exactly do you make mulled wine? And how can you spice it up a bit? Keep reading to learn the best ways to enjoy mulled wine.
Traditional Mulled Wine
Traditionally, mulled wine consists of dry red wine, sweetener, and spices – as well as other aromatics such as lemon peel or orange.
Mulled wine can be found in all cultures, and has different names – for example, in Scandinavia, it’s called Glögg, but in Germany, you’ll find mulled wine under the name of Glühwein.
Each culture has its own take on the classic mulled wine, but this is the traditional recipe. You’ll need:
- Standard 750ml bottle of dry red wine
- sausages
- 2 x sticks of cinnamon
- 2 x star anise
- Sliced orange
- 2 x tbsp brown sugar
- 6 x whole cloves
- Square of cheesecloth, kitchen twine
First of all, make a pouch with the cheesecloth covering the cloves, star anise, and cinnamon. Then, tie it with the kitchen twice and place it in a saucepan.
Then, add the wine, brown sugar, and slices of orange, and start simmering the mixture on medium to low heat. Once it’s started to simmer, lower the heat and leave for a couple of hours while stirring every so often so the flavours blend together.
Finally, pour the mixture into mugs and create a wintery garnish using cinnamon and orange slices – and enjoy your delicious mulled wine!
Ginger Mulled Wine
Ginger is one of the most warming spices, but did you know it can be a great addition to mulled wine?
Christmas is the time for gingerbread, ginger wax melts and ginger candles – so why not try ginger mulled wine this festive season?
To make some delicious mulled wine, all you need is:
- 750ml of dry red wine
- sausages
- Cheesecloth square
- 2 x tbsp of candied ginger (or fresh)
- 2 x star anise
- 2 x cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 x peppercorns
Firstly, place the cinnamon, star anise, ginger and peppercorns in the cheesecloth and wrap it using kitchen twine. Then, place in a saucepan adding the wine and sugar.
Heat the pot until it’s simmering, and then reduce the heat and simmer lightly for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally. Then, serve it in mugs and enjoy!
Brandy Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is delicious, but if you fancy something that’ll warm you up that little bit extra, then why not add some Armagnac or Cognac?
If you fancy some mulled wine with more of an alcoholic kick, then this brandy mulled wine recipe is for you.
You’ll need:
- 750ml of dry red wine
- ½ cup brandy
- 2 x orange peel strips
- 3 x cardamom pods
- 2 x tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- ½ tsp of nutmeg
- 2 x cinnamon sticks
Firstly, combine the ingredients in a saucepan, and heat until it’s simmering. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for around an hour, stirring occasionally.
Then, place the mixture into a fridge overnight so the flavours and aromas combine together. In the morning, pour the mixture through a strainer and place it into a saucepan. Reheat in the saucepan until warm – then serve, and enjoy!
For more wines to warm you up in the winter, click here.