A dry red or white wine-based alcoholic beverage is called "mulled wine." There are several names for it depending on the country; one well-known one is vino caliente, which translates to "hot wine" in Spanish. The beverage was first consumed in ancient Rome when it was combined with spices without being heated. Then, with a new preparation technique that included heating the wine, it gained popularity in the nations of Northern and Central Europe.
In Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, mulled wine is customarily served at outdoor Christmas celebrations and fairs. Sometimes also during Halloween.
A mulled wine recipe: Choosing the wine type
During the fall holidays and chilly get-together evenings, hot and alcoholic cocktails can play an irreplaceable role in creating a cozy atmosphere. So, the first ingredient is wine, not just any wine, but dry red or white wine.
You can choose from a variety of dry red and white wines, both expensive and moderately priced. Here are a few options:
White dry wines
- CASA ROJO "Tokyo Gomez-Rojo La Malpagada": Alcohol content: 13%. Spanish dry white wine with a fragrant and complex aroma. Peach, bakery, brioche, and sweet honey notes are discernible. It goes well with fish and other seafood.
- CASA ROJO "La Marimorena": Alcohol content: 12.5%. Another type of Spanish white wine with a somewhat complex scent that is reminiscent of citrus fruits, apples, white flowers, and magnolia. It goes well with cheeses, vegetable dishes, seafood, and other kinds of fish, and appetizers.
- CHATEAU MARGAUX "Pavillon" Blanc: Alcohol content: 13%. It has aromas of green apple, white peach, yellow plum, jasmine, and dried flowers. It can be combined with various dishes, including seafood.
Red dry wines
- CASA ROJO "Tokyo Gomez-Rojo Cuvee Minami II": Alcohol content: 15%. It has a delicious aroma, full of ripe red and black fruits combined with balsamic and spicy aromas. It goes well with aged cheeses, as well as beef, rabbit, and pork.
- CASA ROJO "Cuvee Minami": Alcohol content: 15.5%. The aroma of the Spanish red dry wine is rich and complex, with notes of spice and ripe, even-steamed black fruits. It pairs well with aged cheeses, beef, rabbit, and pork.
- PAUL HOBBS WINERY "Cristina's Signature": Alcohol content: 15%. The drink smells strongly of cocoa, fresh sage, red currants, dark blackberries, and thyme leaves and pairs well with aged cheeses, beef, rabbit, and pork.
These wines are great for making fresh mulled wine, and because some of them have fruity undertones, they can also be a great addition to mulled wine made with orange and honey, or grapefruit mulled wine variations. Regardless of the options listed above, you can still select the types of the dry red and white wines that you prefer.
The complete mulled wine recipe
And so, it's time to address the other ingredients of the mulled wine recipe. The cocktail contains red wine as well as your preferred brandy. Though, you can also choose from the ARARAT Akhtamar and Ani brandies.
What spices go in mulled wine depends on the composition you choose. For example, a classic Glitwein composition consists of:
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1 (750 ml) bottle of dry red wine
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1/4 cup brandy
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1 orange, sliced into rounds
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8 whole cloves
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2 cinnamon sticks
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2 star anise
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2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup (to taste)
How to make the cocktail
To make the cocktail, it is necessary to mix all the ingredients. Take a large saucepan, and combine the wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and two tablespoons of sugar, honey, or maple syrup for sweetness.
Once in a pot, the mixture needs to be heated to the boiling point. Then reduce the temperature and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15 minutes to 3 hours.
After cooking, you can strain the resulting drink and serve it. To serve, place the ingredients in airtight glasses; if preferred, decorate with cinnamon sticks and freshly cut orange slices.
Conclusion
A classic alcoholic cocktail, mulled wine is especially good on chilly days. So, with the gloomy autumnal weather being right around the corner, welcome the autumn with the Vino&Vino alcoholic beverage specialty store with its wide selection of delicious drinks and rich recipes for alcoholic cocktails.
