Winter's Warm Embrace: Christmas Mulled Wine Recipe
Posted by Emily on 6th Oct 2023
Mulled wine, known globally by many a name, is a universal favourite when it comes to warming up winter nights. Why not treat your patrons with this sumptuous brew in the run-up to Christmas? And to give it that extra festive touch, serve it with homemade mince pie pinwheels.
Quick Tips
Wine - Opt for an affordable bottle of dry red or even white wine. For bulk batches, box wine works wonders.
Fruit Twist - Fresh clementines add sweetness and a festive essence.
Spices - While cinnamon sticks are preferred, ground cinnamon works in a pinch. Throw in cloves, star anise and maybe a few cardamom pods.
Serving - Prepare a batch in the morning and maintain warmth in a soup kettle for quick serving, enhancing your guest's delight.
What You Will Need
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Chianti or any Red Wine | 2 Bottles |
| Sliced Clementines | 2 |
| Sliced Lemon | 1 |
| Sliced Lime | 1 |
| Caster Sugar | 200g |
| Whole Cloves | 6 |
| Bay Leaves | 3 |
| Whole Nutmeg | 1 |
| Vanilla Pod | 1 |
| Star Anise | 5 |
Procedure
1. Using a speed-peeler, extract large peels from the clementines, lemon, and lime.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, the extracted peels, and squeeze in the clementine juice.
3. Introduce cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and grate in 10 to 12 rounds of nutmeg. Slice the vanilla pod in half lengthwise, adding to the mix.
4. Pour in enough wine to cover the sugar. Simmer until the sugar has fully dissolved.
5. Increase to a rolling boil for 4-5 minutes to achieve a syrupy texture. This method ensures the harmonious melding of sugar and spices with the wine. Creating this syrup base is crucial as boiling with all the wine evaporates the alcohol.
6. Once your syrup base is ready, reduce the heat. Introduce the star anise and the remaining wine.
7. After about 5 minutes of gentle heating, once warm and aromatic, serve in heatproof glasses.
The Christmas Promise
Christmas epitomises goodwill and festivity. Serving this festive mulled wine is more than just a gesture; it's a memory crafted.
Such acts extend beyond the glass, creating lasting impressions. This season, serve not just a beverage but an emotion. Solidify your bond with customers and warm their hearts, one cup at a time.