How To Make Mulled Wine

The temperatures have dropped, the days are getting shorter and the decorations have gone up. That can only mean one thing: it’s officially mulled wine season. It may be your favourite winter drink, but how much do you actually know about it? We’ve put together everything you need to know about one of the cosiest drinks in the world, how to make mulled wine plus a few recipes for other festive alcoholic drinks to enjoy all season long.

History of mulled wine

Mulled wine has a long history, one that dates back to the 2nd century. The Romans were the first to come up with the idea of heating up their wine to protect themselves against the cold. As the Romans conquered much of Europe, their habit of drinking hot wine spread across the empire and the regions they traded with.

As the popularity of hot wine grew, Europeans started to add spices to the mix as they believed these would promote health and stave off illnesses. Herbs and flowers were also used as natural sweeteners.

Over time, its popularity dwindled except for in Sweden which came up with two popular variations made famous by the Swedish monarchy.One of them was Claret (wine, sugar, honey and spices) and the other was Lutendrank (spices, wine and milk). Other variations started to crop up, and recipe books started to use the term ‘glögg’ which was coined in 1609 and is of Scandinavian origin.

By the 1890s, glögg was associated with Christmas and wine merchants up and down Sweden had their own unique recipe. Most of the wine bottled depicted Santa Claus and were exported around Europe, putting mulled wine firmly back in the limelight. Over time, more variations cropped up around Europe, including German Glühwein which can include star anise, Spanish Vino Caliente with fresh oranges, Danish Gløggas with additional rum or schnapps (for those who like it strong), as well as white wines, vermouth and port—each country has their own special blend. You can even use mulled wine in Christmas desserts, such as our recipe for poached pears.

Christmas drinks recipes

Even if you’re not the hugest wine fan, there are plenty of other popular alcoholic Christmas drinks out there and you can get as creative as you like. For more inspiration, take a look at our top 10 spiced Christmas cocktails and recipes. If you know someone who likes a festive tipple, our Mulling Drinks Gift Selection makes the perfect Christmas present. You’ll find all the essential festive drinks in here, complete with a nice package and easy to follow recipes on the back.

Keen on making your own mulled wine? It’s easier than you think. Below you’ll find our foolproof recipes for classic mulled wine, as well as mulled cider, Caribbean sorrel rum punch, hot toddy and café brulot.

Classic Mulled Wine Recipe

Serves 10-12

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Seasoned Pioneers Mulled Wine Spice Mix (ingredients: allspice berries, lemon peel, cinnamon, clove buds, nutmeg)
• 150g demerara sugar (or less depending on taste)
• 400ml water
• 2 bottled red wine
• Cinnamon quills to garnish
• Lemon slices to garnish

Method:

• Mix the pouch contents with the demerara sugar and water
• Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes
• Add two bottles of red wine and heat until almost boiling
• Strain and serve hot. Garnish with cinnamon quills and lemon slices

(For a non-alcoholic version, replace the water with tea, and the wine with red grape juice).

Top tip: serve your mulled wine from a clean coffee cafetiere! This filters the spices and is designed to keep hot drinks hot.

Alternatively, you can make a mulled white wine instead. Simply switch the red wine for two bottles of white wine, and use our Mulled White Wine Spice Mix.

Our mulled wine spices are also available in a drawstring bag! Containing 4 spice balls, this is a great alternative to loose spices (also makes for a lovely Christmas stocking filler).

Mulled Cider Recipe

Serves 12

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Seasoned Pioneers Mulled Cider Spice Mix (ingredients: cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, allspice, star anise)
• 400ml water
• 200g sugar
• 1.5L cider (apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)

Method:

• In a saucepan, mix the pouch contents with the sugar and water and bring to the boil
• Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes
• Remove from the heat and let it stand for 30 minutes to let the flavours mix
• Add the cider (or apple juice) and re-heat until almost boiling
• Strain and serve hot. Garnish with slices of apple, orange zest and star anise

Caribbean Sorrel Rum Punch Recipe

Serves 10

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Seasoned Pioneers Caribbean Sorrel Rum Punch Spice Mix (ingredients: sorrel, cinnamon, orange peel, cloves)
• 2L boiling water
• 300g demerara sugar
• 150ml dark rum

Method:

• In a saucepan, mix the pouch contents with the sugar and water
• Allow to cool before covering loosely and leaving overnight at room temperature (or up to three days)
• Add the dark rum, strain and serve. Garnish with strawberries and orange slices

Cafe Brulot Recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Seasoned Pioneers Cafe Brulot Spice Mix (ingredients: cinnamon, clove buds, orange and lemon peel)
• Freshly brewed coffee for 8 cups
• 4-8 teaspoons demerara sugar (or to taste)
• 250ml brandy
• 60ml Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)

Method:

• In a saucepan, mix half a pouch of spices with the sugar, brandy and Grand Marnier
• Heat until the sugar dissolves. Once hot, remove from the heat, tilt the pan and ignite the mixture
• When the flames have died down, add the coffee into the pan. Pour into mugs and serve hot

Hot Toddy Recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Seasoned Pioneers Hot Toddy Spice Mix (ingredients: cinnamon, clove buds, lemon, nutmeg)
• 350ml water
• 300ml (12 measures) whisky
• Sugar to taste
• Lemon slices to garnish

Method:

• In a saucepan, mix the pouch contents with the water and bring to the boil
• Remove from the heat and add the whisky
• Leave to stand for 5 minutes to let the flavours mix
• Strain and serve in mugs, adding sugar to taste and lemon slices