Mulled Wine
a Christmas Classic and a twist
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, glühwein, vin brulé, vino caliente, vin chaud to name but a few is usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and fruits, served hot or warm.
Sometimes, personally speaking I find Mulled Wine a very good reason to visit a Christmas market. There are more alcoholic versions too with Brandy,Vodka Slow Gin and Triple Sec.
Classic Mulled Wine
Ingredients
70cl bottle red wine
1 large or two small cinnamon sticks
2 or 3 star anise
4 cloves
Lemon zest, pared in strips
4 tbsp caster sugar
Method
Pour the red wine into a large saucepan.
Add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar
Simmer on low heat for 10 – 15 mins.
Remove from the heat and allow to infuse for about an hour
Heat before serving (do not allow liquid to boil) and pour into mugs or heatproof glasses.
Before heating for the final time try adding a glut of Brandy or Vodka to the pan – Brandy especially is wonderful
Mulled Wine with a Twist
Slightly less sweet and more boozy
70cl bottle red wine
10 cl of Slow Gin / Triple Sec / Brandy
1 large or two small cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
6 Whole Peppercorns
4 cloves
Orange Zest, pared in strips
2 tbsp caster sugar
Method
Pour the red wine into a large saucepan.
Add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, Orange zest and sugar
Simmer on low heat for 10 – 15 mins.
Remove from the heat and allow to infuse for about an hour
Add Slow Gin / Triple Sec or Brandy and heat before serving (do not allow liquid to boil) and pour into mugs or heatproof glasses.
