We’re full speed ahead for the holiday season, and this means holiday dinners. Of the many food and drinks served during the holiday season, one of them is a delicious glass of mulled wine.
The history of mulled wine
Originating from the 2nd century, mulled wine was created by the Romans by heating wine to fight off the cold winter. As the Romans conquered Europe, they brought in their love of mulled wine throughout the next century. The addition of spices was made by the Europeans who believed it would promote health. Over time, the popularity of mulled wine went down, except in Sweden where they made variations of the drink.
In the 1890s, a big turning point came when mulled wine became associated with Christmas. Wine merchants had their own unique recipes that were distributed across Europe, shining mulled wine into a festive light. Since then, mulled wine maintained its popularity, especially during the holiday season.
The making of mulled wine
Mulled wine recipes are one of those things that are versatile and customized to each person’s taste. Some may add or omit certain ingredients based on preference and taste, but here is a common and simple ingredient list and way to make them.
The ingredients
- ½ cup of Cranberries
- 3 Dried Star Anise
- 4-5 Dried Cloves
- 3 Dried Cinnamon sticks
- 1 bottle of wine of your choice
- 4-5 Orange Slices
- Drizzle honey to taste
Instructions
When you have your ingredients ready, head over to the stove and a pot. Everything will move fairly quickly so ensure you have all your ingredients within reach.
Turn on your stove to a low flame and in your pot, immediately add your cranberries and spices - star anise, dried cloves, and cinnamon sticks. You’re not toasting or heating spices on the pot so immediately pour your wine into the pot.
The wine doesn’t need to be an expensive bottle, in fact, an affordable bottle of wine will do as you’re enhancing the flavor when making your mulled wine. This is all up to you and your taste. Again, ensure the pot isn’t too hot by maintaining low heat. If you need to, remove the pot from the stove momentarily to ensure the wine doesn’t boil. You do not want to boil the wine as this will completely remove the alcohol content in the wine.
After you add your wine, right away add your orange slices. Drizzle in some honey depending on how sweet you like it. Taste and adjust for taste. Once the wine is heated (not simmering or boiling, but you’ll know it is warming up from the slight steam coming from the wine), take it off the stove right away. Strain the wine to remove the other ingredients and serve immediately into mugs.
At Botanic Universe, we offer a selection of organic spices and high-quality products that are needed to create your mulled wine. Browse our collection and shop now!
