AUTHOR JOANNE SHUMACK / CATEGORY NEWS / PUBLISHED: FEB 3rd 2023
Celebrating International Mulled Wine Day
3rd March
Raise a glass for International Mulled Wine Day
We DEFINITELY don't need a reason to celebrate wine....buuut
if someones going to dedicate a whole special day to it then who are we to argue!!
International Mulled Wine Day is here - hooray! Whether you prefer red or white (or non-alcoholic!), there are plenty of ways that Australians can get involved in celebrating this special day - just grab a bottle (or two!) of wine and get creative with how you serve it!
Now, if you’re wondering what mulled wine is and why it warrants its own holiday, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at what mulled wine is, how to make it, and how you can partake in the festivities.
So what exactly is Mulled Wine?
To “mull,” according to Merriam-Webster, means “to heat, sweeten, and flavour with spices.”
The History of Mulled Wine...
Mulled Wine dates back to the 2nd Century where Romans would heat wine to defend their bodies against the harsh, cold winters. They believed that it would promote good health and avoid sickness (Our kinda medicine!)
Added to this heated wine was herbs, flowers, fruits and natural sweeteners to improve the taste of unpalatable wines.
Its popularity spread across the Roman empire as well as many of the countries they traded with. Fast forward to today and you'd be hard pressed to find a European country who doesn't have some kind of variation of this delicious drink.
The Scandinavian countries are the biggest Mulled Wine drinkers where it is called Glögg in Sweden or Gløgg in Denmark (“heated wine”) quickly followed by Germany where it is called Glühwein, (“shiny wine” or "smouldering wine").
While our winters might not be nearly as cold, there has to be something said for the warm fuzzy feeling a steaming cup of this gives you (regardless of whether its snowing outside or not!)
An extremely easy drink to make, many of the ingredients are pantry staples so you'll always have much of what you'll need on hand. Heat it on the stovetop, pressure cooker or set and forget in your slow cooker to keep it warm while entertaining.
Mulled Wine Inspiration
Below are some ideas on what to use in your Mulled Wine or Cider for you to create your very own creation. Start with a bottle of Red and then add a cider or spirit if you're looking for a drink with some punch, choose 1 or 2 fruit options, 2 or 3 spice options and a garnish. If you prefer your drinks a little on the sweeter side than add a dash of honey or maple syrup and hey presto...you're done!
Red Wine - Nothing pricey...a Merlot or Grenache is great!
Spirits or Cider - Apple or Pear Cider, Brandy, Cognac, Bourbon Whiskey or Port
Fruit Slices - Lemon, Lime, Oranges, Pear or Apple
Spices - Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Star Anise, Cardamon or Ginger
Maple Syrup or Honey if you're looking for extra sweetness
Garnishes - Cinnamon Sticks, Pomegranate or Cranberries
Image Credit: Kitchen Confidante
The process is easy peasy, just combine all your ingredients using one bottle of red as your base and heat using your desired method....
Saucepan - Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then reduce to low heat for approximately 1 hour.
Slow Cooker - Set to low and leave for 2-3 hours...perfect to keep warm while you're entertaining
Pressure Cooker - Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes and then enjoy
Some simple tips...
- Don't allow it to boil as you'll lose much of the alcohol content through the boiling process.
- Go easy on the spices, you'll be surprised at how little you'll need to create the perfect mulled wine.
- If you're looking for a more intense flavour, leave the fruit and spices in and allow it to simmer for longer.
- If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version of this for the little people just leave out the wine and replace with non alcoholic cider 😉
Prefer to work from a recipe? We've scoured the internet to bring you the best Mulled Wine & Cider creations...
Kitchen Confidante (GLØGG) Mulled Wine
Cookie & Kate Classic Mulled Wine
Crowded Kitchen Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine
Cookie Rookie Cranberry Apple Spice Cider
Platings & Pairings Hot Mulled Cider
Whip & Wander Mulled Apple Cider
The best way to Celebrate International Mulled Wine Day
International Mulled Wine Day should be celebrated with friends and family! Gather around a fire pit or cozy up inside with some delicious food to munch on while sipping your homemade mulled wine. If you plan on having more than just one bottle of mulled wine, consider making a “mulling station” with different varieties of wines, fruits, sugars and spices so everyone can customise their own glass according to their taste buds. And don't forget about desserts! Pair a delicious cheese board or some Apple Pie with your warm mugs of mulled wine for the ultimate combo.
With just a few simple ingredients, you could be enjoying this tasty drink in no time at all.
Cheers!
Image Credit: Crowded Kitchen
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