Winter Mulled Wine, Brandy Optional
In much of the US, the frigid weather has sure been a focus lately. School was closed for us again and everyone is ending emails with the phrase βstay warmβ. Last weekend we made a last minute decision to close our βcabin up northβ due to the propane shortage and I am mourning the (temporary) loss of my weekend retreat. All while painfully aware of those less fortunate whose only homes were hit.
In any case, shutting the house down was not how we were planning to spend our Sunday. And just in case you were wondering, packing up every liquid you own (in a last minute panic, scrounging any spare box around) is a b—-. And don’t even think about asking how the roads are…
So I have decided that all of this cold and disorder (I almost called the post “Closed for Winter”) calls for an appropriate beverage, alcoholic of course. I was thinking of a winter martini, something like the White Chocolate Blizzard I posted for New Yearβs. But since itβs been cold enough to freeze boiling water mid-air (yes we did that test) I wanted something warm. So Iβm making mulled wine. With brandy. It’s not just for Christmas anymore!
There are a number of mulled wine recipes available, each with their own add-ins and spices. Many use fresh citrus (orange and/or lemon) plus sugar, but I l prefer to sweeten the wine with apple cider and orange juice. It is super easy, adds additional complexity and as a bonus, it allows me to infuse the spice flavors into the juice and add the wine later, preserving more alcohol.
If youβve never mulled wine before, be assured that it doesnβt require an expensive wine. I have been using a Trader Joeβs wine made with organic grapes, but would use their Two, err, Three Buck Chuck in a heartbeat. It makes a fair amount and you can store the leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator, so it is no work the second day.
In doing some background research, I learned that mulled wine is a beverage common to many different countries. . Most of us are familiar with the British wassail (how many carols can you name that mention wassail?) and perhaps Scandinavian glogg, but I also learned of the Netherlands bisschopswijn and Germanyβs GlΓΌhwein–and thatβs just a start. So if you are somewhere cold, there is probably a mulled wine of one name or another somewhere in your vicinity.
Got cold weather? Hereβs to a warm and happy winter!
Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml red wine 1 bottle
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup apple cider non-alcoholic
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves
- 6 allspice berries
- 6 peppercorns
- 2-3 slices fresh ginger
- brandy optional, to taste
Instructions
- Combine juices and spices in saucepan and heat until just simmering. Hold temperature just below a simmer, steeping spices until juice is well flavored, about an hour. Strain out spices.
- Add 1 bottle of red wine and bring temperature back to just below a simmer.
- Add brandy as desired to individual serving glasses, then top with mulled wine.
Notes
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i don’t like wine as it is, but when it’s mulled, it’s a different story! great recipe (and cute mug!). π
If you add brandy, you definitely need to go with a smaller mug π
I never would have thought to use orange juice or apple cider – love that idea! I’ll have to try this next time we make a warm alcoholic beverage (lately we’ve been experimenting with variations on the hot toddy).
I have fond feelings for a number of hot toddies Lynn!
In France it’s called vin chaud – perfect for the end of day on the slopes.
and of course I need to sign off with a “stay warm” π
Oh another good reason to spend time skiing in France!
Still fun to have in these cold temperatures!
Nothing like a little mulled wine to take the chill away!