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😉 Hello! Want to keep warm? Then you are here! Here you will learn how to prepare mulled wine at home.
Mulled wine – what is it?
This is the name of a scalding and tasty drink with spices based on dry and weak red wine. The wine is heated to 70-80 degrees, but not boiled. Served in special glasses or mugs.
The drink first appeared in medieval Italy. It was a wine with spices or herbs. In the 100th century, they began to heat it in the Nordic countries. “Burning wine” – translated from German “gluhende wein”. This is a high-calorie product: 200 ml. XNUMX kcal.
The ancient drink is considered an invariable attribute of winter and autumn, since it is not only tasty, but also warming. Thanks to the addition of aromatic spices, the drink has a unique taste that can conquer any person.
Sometimes, on cold winter evenings, you want to cover yourself with a warm blanket and enjoy fragrant mulled wine. There is a feeling of comfort, warmth and calmness.
Mulled wine composition
Nothing beats the astringency and sweetness of the fruit that blends well in this drink. There are many ways to prepare mulled wine, but each of them contains several main spices.
As a rule, the drink is prepared on the basis of natural ingredients. In stores you can see ready-made mixtures for making spiced wine. Most often, the main components of such mixtures include cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and orange peel. All of them are packaged in crushed form.
The spice mix does not have to be purchased in stores; it can be made at home as well. At the same time, you can change the taste by adding something from yourself.
It is worth noting that each spice has an expressive aroma, therefore, it must be properly stored. Spices are better preserved in special sealed containers of small volume. Without direct contact with air, the fragrance will last longer.
Spices for mulled wine
Cinnamon
It belongs to the integral components of mulled wine. Cinnamon adds a sweet and spicy aroma. Use cinnamon sticks for cooking, as ground cinnamon loses some of its aromatic properties.
Carnation
It is included in the list of ingredients in almost all recipes for making mulled wine. Cloves are distinguished by their incomparable aroma and specific taste. However, one has to take into account the nuance that during heating the smell is dulled. Therefore cloves should be added at the end of cooking.
Cardamom
This ingredient is classified as a spicy condiment that gives hot wine a pleasant aroma and lemon flavor. It goes well with hot winter drinks and cold summer varieties of mulled wine.
Badian
The famous spice of the East is star anise or star anise. The taste is bittersweet with anise aroma. Star anise tea is an excellent remedy for coughs and colds. They are added to drinks (coffee, tea, tinctures), baked goods, meat dishes and desserts. Perfect for mulled wine! Can be replaced with anise.
Pepper
Pepper is added at will, since not everyone likes drinks with peppercorns. All varieties of this spice are suitable for making hot wine. These include red, allspice and black pepper. The latter is more suitable for red wine.
If using white wine, red pepper will do. Fragrant is not often used, as it has a strong aroma.
Anise
It is used to prepare different variations of a wine drink. Gives the drink a sweet taste and spicy aroma, combined with cardamom and cinnamon. Can be replaced with star anise.
Bay leaf
It is an extraordinary spice that is added to the drink. Since bay leaves have a special smell, their use must be treated with caution. Not everyone likes the specific taste of laurel. However, it should be borne in mind that a little bay leaf is needed for mulled wine. It should be added at the end of cooking.
Barberry
These berries give the drink a slightly sour taste, resulting in an original version of mulled wine.
In addition to the noted spices, mint and lemon balm are sometimes added to mulled wine. But if they are added to drinks, then they are often served cold and prepared on the basis of white wine. As for citrus fruits, they are the traditional ingredients of the drink.
Orange goes well with all types of wine. And lemon and lime are added exclusively to red wines. Pineapple, kiwi and banana will help to diversify the taste of the drink. Sometimes they use walnuts, almonds, dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins, candied fruits).
Classic mulled wine recipe
You will need: a bottle of weak red wine (dry, semi-dry). Half a glass of water, honey – 1 tbsp. spoon.
Spices (not ground) pinch at a time:
- cinnamon,
- cloves,
- star anise,
- ginger,
- lemon peel (zest).
Add black pepper, apple, orange, cardamom or bay leaf if desired.
Place spices in a ladle, add water (0,5 cups). While stirring, simmer for 5 minutes, then add wine.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 70-80 ° C, not boiling. Leave for 25 minutes, covering the pan with a lid. Filter (strain) the finished drink. Add honey, stir. Enjoy! 😉 As you can see, here you can show your imagination.
Video
Here is additional information and tips on how to prepare mulled wine at home.
Friends, we are waiting for your advice on how to cook mulled wine at home. I wish you health, warmth and comfort in your home. 😉 Enjoy your evenings with a glass of mulled wine!