Win Winter Wine

Winter is here, bringing with it cold and snow. We exchange lightweight clothes for fur coats, water fights for snowballs fight, and fruity light cocktails… for Mulled Wine!

Where does it come from? It is nothing of new or modern, it has its roots in the Roman Empire: they used to drink wine spiced and heated. While they conquered Europe they spread their culture, and locals kept the best features: mulled wine is one of those! Then each place made it in their own way, and little by little this beverage has been consecrated as a specific Christmas drink, particularly in northern and eastern European countries, where they actually do not drink ONLY beer!

The entire northern hemisphere is plunged into the darkness by 6 pm, great cities get enlightened, glittering with all kinds of garlands and candles. In some places bands play traditional tunes, Santa Claus hangs around providing children with presents and smiles and Christmas Markets are full of charming gifts. How could you fully enjoy your evening if not by warming yourself up with a delightful glass of mulled wine?

Does it soun weird to you to drink hot wine? Well, of course you wouldn't drink hot wine whenever you want to, as you do with "normal wine"! Indeed, it is quite sweet with strong fruits flavours. It matches perfectly with churros or a crêpe!

So, for your next party at home you must have it in order to impress all your friends, and change from your classical rum/orange lethal mix!

Really easy to make and easy to drink! You just need these ingredients:

•           Red wine
•           Sugar
•           Orange and apple slices
•           Cinnamon
•           Star anise

Put everything in a big slow cooker, heat it up gently, avoiding the mixture to boil, during 25-30 minutes! Then poor it in mugs or any heat resistant glass and just enjoy!

Easy and cheap, this beverage can also save your unfortunate investment on disappointing wine! Then it won’t appear to be a crime to heat up your red wine, it is just a clever alternative to end up dreadful bottles and improve your cocktail maker skills!

There is the outdoor version: disposable glass, big coats, freezing hands…

           

But it is absolutely suitable for a stylish party, a kind of trendy-chic soirée!

You may just adapt the recipe by adding  cloves, ground ginger or even brandy… and of course poor it in a prettier glass! Exterior aspect has all its importance!

It is a very convivial drink!

I’ve tasted it with two friends, Luca from Netherlands and Alina from Germany!

Did we enjoy it? I think so… had it twice!

Your turn to try and share it with us! What are your impressions about mulled wine?