Mulled Wine Recipes
Mulled wine, which is simply wine heated with spices, has been popular since medieval times. Originally called Hipocris after the physician Hippocrates, mulled wine was thought to offer health benefits. In the Victoria era, mulled wine was very popular and was often served to children at birthday parties. Traditional recipes for the festive beverage included honey, cinnamon, cardamon, and wine from the Bordeaux region of France.
In recent years, mulled wine has regained popularity once again, especially at holiday parties and get-togethers. By adding ingredients such as rosemary, cloves, brandy, or brown sugar, you can create a multitude of different mulled wines. Experimentation is the key to creating your own uniquely flavored concoction. Here are a couple of basic mulled wine recipes that are good just as they are, or they can be altered successfully by the addition of other spices or flavors. Both white and red wines can make outstanding mulled wines, and there is no need to use an expensive bottle. Everything from a spicy Zinfandel to a delicate Riesling can be used
Traditional Mulled Wine
1 750 ml bottle of dry red wine
½ cup brandy
2/3 cup granulated sugar
6 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
Peel from ½ orange
Pour the wine into a large saucepan and place on low heat. Cut the zest off the ½ of orange, remove and discard the pith. Add the zest to the wine. Add the remainder of the ingredients and stir. Let simmer, but don't let the wine boil. When wine begins to steam, remove from heat. Ladle wine into mugs or glasses, carefully removing solid ingredients. Serve immediately.
White Wine Mulled Wine
1 750 ml bottle Riesling
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 tablespoons honey
Peel from 1 lemon
Place sugar, water, rosemary, and honey in large saucepan and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Add the wine and lemon peel. Simmer for 15 minutes. Do not let wine boil. Strain the solid ingredients and serve.
