A great winter drink that warms well and helps get rid of colds and infections is homemade mulled wine. It is traditionally prepared in northern countries with a harsh climate and long winters. Mulled wine is served at the festive table for Christmas, it is drunk even in the fresh air to keep warm. It is perfect for feasts with friends on a gloomy cloudy evening. An important role is played by seasoning for mulled wine, which gives it an unusual taste. These are ginger, spices and citrus fruits.
Drink origin
This drink has a long history. The tradition of drinking warmed wine came from China. But in this country, fruits and spices were not added to it. The recipe was improved in Greece, adding nutmeg , cardamom, honey and various spices to the wine .
Gradually, sailors contributed to the spread of this drink, and it took root well in countries with cold climates.
Mulled wine restores blood circulation and supports the body after infections. Mulled wine has a good effect on the functioning of the stomach and normalizes the intestinal flora.
Cooking rules
Making mulled wine requires certain rules. You can, of course, show some imagination, but do not forget the basic dogmas. Mulled wine seasoning can be any, and it is better to choose dry wine (red or white). Add cinnamon and apples to white wine. When pouring water into mulled wine, do it carefully, along the edge of the container. It is strictly forbidden to boil this drink. The maximum temperature should reach 70 degrees. As soon as the resulting foam leaves, mulled wine must be removed from the fire. Use it immediately after cooking. Glasses for a drink are best warmed up.
Classic recipe
There are many cooking options. They depend on which wines are used and which seasoning for mulled wine is added. But there is a classic recipe that is the foundation. For cooking, take a bottle of red table wine (0.75 liters), several cloves, a large spoonful of sugar, a third of a glass of water, nutmeg (to taste). If desired, you can add lemon or its zest, orange, any fruit.
Any seasoning for mulled wine can be used. The composition of the drink is changed at its discretion. To enhance the taste, some add a little strong
drink. We spread the nutmeg and cloves in the Turk and pour water. Bring to a boil and cook for about a minute. Then let the broth brew. Pour the wine into a saucepan and heat. After that, add a decoction of spices and a spoonful of sugar. Remove hot mulled wine from the fire and pour into glasses.
Mulled wine with an orange
Clove is the main seasoning for mulled wine. But you can add any ingredients. Fruits are very well suited for this drink, which give it unusual flavor notes. For cooking, take half an orange, half a liter of red wine, half an apple, several (10-12 pieces) cloves, a large spoon of honey, a cinnamon stick and 5 peas of allspice.
Cut the fruit into slices and put it in a pan. Pour them with wine and add spices and honey. We put the container on the stove and turn on a small fire. We warm the drink, constantly stirring it so that the honey dissolves. Mulled wine is not boiling, otherwise it will lose all its useful properties. Turn off the fire and let it brew. After 10 minutes, pour it into glasses.
Soft drink
For cooking in this case we will use grape juice. Not everyone, due to various circumstances, can drink alcohol-containing drinks. This recipe is for them. Take a liter of juice (grape, but can be replaced with apple), three tablespoons of jam (currant or blueberry), a few cloves and two sticks of cinnamon. Pour juice into a saucepan, heat, but do not boil. Then we put all the spices and jam, mix and turn off the fire. Let the drink brew for half an hour.
Mulled wine with cardamom and ginger
Cardamom is also a great seasoning for mulled wine. The composition of the drink can be supplemented with ginger. This will give it a great taste and aroma. For cooking, you will need a liter of red wine, a small spoon of grated ginger, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, three cloves, a cinnamon stick and several cardamom seeds.
Pour the wine into the pan and add all the spices. Cardamom can be slightly crushed in a mortar. We warm up the drink and turn off the fire. We give mulled wine to infuse and pour it into glasses.
Mulled wine with tea
This drink will turn out less strong, but very tasty. And you will need a glass of strong tea, half a liter of wine (red), two star anise, two spoons of ground cinnamon, a small spoon of ginger, 5 cloves and allspice, one orange, half a lemon, 50 grams of brown sugar and several cardamom seeds . The number of spices can be changed at your discretion. Pour the strained tea into the pan and add all the spices. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then add chopped fruit, and pour wine in a minute. Mulled wine is not boiled, but only heated. Pour the drink into glasses and serve to the guests.