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Mulled wine – what to serve it with

Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink in many countries, and there are variations to be found across Europe. Its popularity is due to its warmth and sweetness, which make it the perfect drink for a cold winter’s day. And, while mulled wine is typically made with red wine, there are also variations made with white wine, cider, and even beer.

So, what should you serve mulled wine with? While it can be enjoyed on its own, it is often served with Christmas cookies or other holiday treats. It is also a popular drink to enjoy after a winter hike or ski trip. And, of course, no mulled wine is complete without a cinnamon stick!.Visit the site

Mulled wine – a festive favourite

Mulled wine is a wintertime favourite, and for good reason! This spiced, warming drink is perfect for chilly nights and festive gatherings. Here’s everything you need to know about mulled wine, from its history to how to make your own.

What is mulled wine?

Mulled wine is a type of heated, spiced wine. It’s traditionally made with red wine, although white wine or cider can also be used. The wine is heated with sugar and spices, and often served with a slice of orange or lemon.

Mulled wine originated in Europe, and there are many different regional variations. In Poland, a version called grzane wino is made with honey instead of sugar. In Germany, mulled wine is called Glühwein, and is often served with a shot of rum.

How to make mulled wine

While there are many different recipes for mulled wine, they all follow a similar basic method. First, the wine is heated with sugar and spices. Common spices include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice.

Once the wine is heated, it’s often served with a slice of orange or lemon. This is purely for flavour and appearance – you don’t need to add any extra citrus fruit to the recipe.

If you’re using fresh citrus fruit, simply add it to the pot when you’re heating the wine. If you’re using dried fruit, soak it in the wine for a few hours before heating. This will help to rehydrate the fruit and make it plumper.

Print Recipe Mulled Wine This spiced, warming drink is perfect for chilly nights and festive gatherings. Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 15 mins Servings: 4 people Calories: 125 kcal Author: Anna Ingredients 1 bottle red wine

1/2 cup sugar

1 orange, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

1 cinnamon stick

3 cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice Instructions Add all ingredients to a pot over medium heat.

Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to a simmer.

Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Serve in heat-proof glasses. Notes If you’re using dried fruit, soak it in the wine for a few hours before heating. This will help to rehydrate the fruit and make it plumper.

What is the best red wine for mulling?

The best red wine for mulling is a dry, full-bodied wine with moderate tannins. Tannins are the natural compounds in wine that give it a slightly bitter, astringent taste. They’re also what gives red wine its colour.

Moderate tannins are important in mulled wine because they help to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and fruit. If the tannins are too low, the mulled wine will taste too sweet. If the tannins are too high, the wine will taste bitter and astringent.

Some good red wines for mulling include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. You can also use a blend of red wines, such as a Merlot/Cabernet blend.

Can I make mulled wine without alcohol?

Yes, you can make non-alcoholic mulled wine, or “mulled cider”. Simply substitute the wine for an equal amount of cider, and heat it with the sugar and spices. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra flavour.

Where to buy mulled wine

If you don’t want to make your own mulled wine, you can buy it ready-made from most supermarkets. It’s usually sold in cartons or bottles, and is usually made with red wine.

You can also buy mulled wine kits, which include everything you need to make mulled wine at home. These kits usually include a bottle of wine, sugar, spices and sometimes even a citrus fruit.

If you’re buying mulled wine ready-made, look for a brand that uses real sugar and spices, rather than artificial flavourings.

Mulled wine calories

A standard glass of mulled wine contains around 125 calories. This is similar to a glass of red wine, but with the added calories from the sugar and fruit.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can make mulled wine with less sugar, or use a sugar substitute. You can also make non-alcoholic mulled cider, which contains fewer calories than mulled wine.

Mulled wine benefits

Mulled wine is often touted as a “healthy” winter drink, due to its antioxidants and health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that these benefits only apply to red wine, and not to white wine or cider.

Red wine contains antioxidants, which are thought to help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer. These antioxidants are found in the skin of the grape, so they’re not present in white wine.

Mulled wine also contains vitamin C, which is thought to help boost the immune system. However, the amount of vitamin C in mulled wine is relatively low, so it’s unlikely to have a significant effect.

Mulled wine is often served with a slice of citrus fruit, which does contain a good amount of vitamin C. However, most of the vitamin C is in the fruit peel, so it’s not transferred to the mulled wine.

Mulled wine side effects

Mulled wine is safe to drink in moderation. However, drinking too much alcohol can cause a number of side effects, including:

Dehydration

Dizziness

Nausea

Headaches

Diarrhoea

Lack of coordination

Slurred speech

Fatigue

If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to stop drinking and seek medical help. Alcohol intoxication can be extremely dangerous, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Mulled wine is a festive favourite for a reason – it’s warming, comforting and perfect for cold winter nights. So next time you’re planning a winter gathering, make sure to have a pot of mulled wine on hand!

Visit howtomakewinefromgrapes.com to learn more about mulled wine recipe. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.