Mulled Wine: The Spicy What's and Why's
National Mulled Wine Day, celebrated every March 3, provides the perfect opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of this warm and spiced beverage. While we often associate mulled wine with the festive charm of the Christmas season, there's much more to discover about this delicious and rich drink. Let's unravel the knowledge and explore some delightful fun facts below!
- The roots of it all
Just like many great things, mulled wine dates back centuries. It has been present since the Roman Empire in the year 20 AD. Back then, they made mulled wine by boiling honey and wine together, then adding spices and dates. This mixture was then infused with burning coals to preserve it. This is the ancestor of mulled wine, which evolved over time and gained recognition in many countries due to trading, especially with royalty in France, Spain, and England.
- Tradition of the spice
Due to its popularity, mulled wine boasts various traditional recipes. If you were to ask which country has the best mulled wine recipe, many European countries would claim to have the finest. One thing's for sure, though – we all love a great mulled wine. Traditionally, classic mulled wine is made by simmering red wine, honey, spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, along with brandy and fruits. The concoction is served warm, creating a delightful and aromatic beverage.
- Surprising health benefits
Since mulled wine is a blend of red wine and spices, it offers surprising health benefits. Mulled wine contains resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound known to slow down the body's aging process. It is also associated with heart health benefits, potentially protecting the lining of blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and preventing blood clots. Additionally, cinnamon, a key ingredient in mulled wine, has been linked to improving insulin sensitivity and managing blood sugar levels. Together, these elements create a powerful combination for heart health.
- The perfect recipe
As mentioned above, there’s a lot of recipes for mulled wine but you can never go wrong with the classic. Try this out with Antigal Uno Cabernet Sauvignon or any full bodied wine of your choice and let us know what you think!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste
- Optional garnishes: citrus slices (orange, lemon and/or lime), extra cinnamon sticks, extra star anise
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients. Add wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and 2 tablespoons sweetener to a large saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
- Simmer. Cook the mulled wine on medium-high heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. (Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.) Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Strain. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in extra sweetener if needed.
- Serve. Serve warm in heat proof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.
- Contemporary spins
As mulled wine has evolved throughout history, numerous variations of the classic recipe we know and love have emerged. Some enthusiasts deviate from the traditional red wine base, opting for different types such as white wine and rosé, resulting in Mulled White Wine and Mulled Rosé, respectively. In some recipes, alcohol is omitted altogether, replaced with apple or cranberry juice. Other creative variations combine red wine with fruit juices, showcasing the endless possibilities for enjoying this delightful beverage.