LET’S DRINK SOMETHING WARM! – Wi.Nes

A long winter is waiting us, North Hemisphere! As crispy whites and fresh sparklings are getting kind of cold for winter nights, ”Let’s drink something warm!” proposition starts to make more sense! So, let’s do it!

MULLED WINE

There are millions of recipes for the mulled wine out there. And do you know which one is the best? The one that you will prepare with the ingredients that you like. That is why, I’ve chosen the ingredients that I like the most, and prepare the best mulled wine for me. Here is my recipe:

Ingredients:

Spices: Cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger and star anise.

Fresh fruits: Orange, apple, pear.

To sweeten up: Honey and sugar.

Obligatory:

Red wine! I’ve chosen Malbec because I think the aromas and the touch of sweetness that it has will pair well with the ingredients. Of course, you can choose the one that you think it would pair better!

Bonus:

Grand Marnier! As far as I figured out I have the option to add a spirit, I’ve chosen my fav! You can add your favorite; vodka, brandy, rum etc…

What I didn’t put:

Cloves (Because to me, it overpowers the taste and destroys the balance.)
Other spices: Nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla… You can be more creative than me and choose the best local spices you have in your country to make it smell like home!
Other fruits: Quince, lemon, clementine, mandarin… any winter fruits that you can think of upon your palate.
Fruit juices: I’ve tasted some mulled wines prepared with addition of fruit juices like sour cherry. I didn’t like it at all, but of course it’s my taste!

Preparation:

I’ve prepared it for 2 servings:

Measure 2 wine glasses of wine.
Add the spices: 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise and couple of slices of ginger.
Add other ingredients: Two teaspoons of honey, two teaspoons of sugar, a couple of drops of lemon juice. I’ve added orange zest and couple of orange slices, and finally as I peeled the apple, I’ve added the skin inside.
Heat it: Slowly, with low temperature. So that the flavors can integrate. Heat it, until the point that it starts to boil. Try to not to boil it, if you do, just take away from the stove. If you want the spices to give more flavors you can leave them inside for a while, and heat it up again before serving.

Add the fruits: I’ve put the fruit slices directly into the mugs that I’ll serve the wine.
Final touch, add the spirit. (I’ve add it in the end to not the loose the alcohol)
Pour the drained wine to the glasses or mugs.
A wintery decoration is a must (to me!). Let your creativity speak!

Pairing:

I’ve paired it with some dried fruits, nuts and rest of the fresh fruits that I’ve cut. Good idea, as we need some natural energy to our body, this season!

That’s it! Let me know if you prepare it and if you update the recipe upon your taste! I cannot wait to hear your comments. Oh, by the way, be aware that you are drinking alcohol -not tea- and enjoy it slowly. (I was tempted to drink it so fast, since it was warm and delicious!)

Cheers!

Wi.Nes