Mulled wine is a traditional warm drink that forms part of the festive spirit of the christmas period. The german ‘Glühwein’ comes from the words “glühend” (burning or warm) y “Wein” (wine), which perfectly describes its essence: a spciy mulled wine, ideal to combat the cold winter. In many European countries, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Mulled Wine is served at the iconic Christmas markets, that are true social meeting points. I these markets, the drink does not only have the aim to warm those walking through the cold street, but also to create an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Spciy mulled wine
Ingredients:
• 2 litres of a young red wine (the more daring can substitute this for white wine)
• Half a glass of brandy
• Half a glass of aged rum
• The juice of 4 oranges
• The peel of 1 orange (without the white bit to avoid a bitter taste)
• The juice of 1 lemon
• The peel of 1 lemon (again without the white bit)
• 6 cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3cm of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• Sugar to taste (no less than 150g)
Instructions:
1. Warm the wine: Plcae the red wine to warm in a large pot at a medium heat, until the point of boiling (without letting it come to a full boil).
2. Add the ingredients: just before the wine starts to boil, add all of the rest: brandy, rum, orange and lemon juice, orange and lemon peels, cloves, cinnamon, ginger abd sugar.
3. Cook at a low heat: reduce the flame and allow the mixture to cook at a low heat for about 20 minutes., so that the species and citruses release all their flavour.
4. Strain the mixture: after the time, strain the warm wine to remove the spices, peels and ginger.
5. Serve warm: Serve in tea cups or cups resistent to heat, and enjoy this comforting drink.
