Mulled Wine: A Complete Guide
We love our bold reds and crisp chilled whites – but why not embrace a different way to drink our favourite wines this season? We're talking, of course, about the irresistible; mulled wine.
Here, we'll step into the world of mulled wine, delving into its origins, tracing its journey from ancient Roman kitchens to modern-day tables worldwide. We'll dive into the mulling process, discover what ingredients are best to use, and help you navigate the world of mulled wine. So, grab your favourite mug, and settle in.
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic beverage that's generally served hot or warm. The centuries-old drink is usually made with red wine infused with a delightful mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and sometimes even citrus fruits, dates or raisins. Mulled wine can range in alcohol content from stronger, boozier versions to lighter, more fruity styles, depending on the ingredients used. Often drunk during the colder months, customarily mulled wine is enjoyed during the holidays like Christmas or Christmas in July.
Where Did Mulled Wine Originate?
Mulled wine was created by the ancient Romans, who would heat wine over the cooler winter months. Over the next century, their love for mulled wine spread across the regions they traded with as well as their growing empire as they conquered much of Europe. As its popularity continued to grow, variations of mulled wine recipes began to surface, from various spices and herbs to fruit and flowers as natural sweeteners. To this day, mulled wine continues to be a festive tradition alongside its sibling drink, mulled cider.
How Do You Make Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine can be as simple or as involved as you like, depending on what flavours you want to add. To create this easy recipe at home, grab some honey, cloves, spices, desired garnish (think citrus slices), and, of course, the hero, some red wine. Follow these easy steps, and Bam! Instant festive flavours ready to be savoured.
- Mix red wine, cloves, honey, lemon zest, and star anise in a pan.
- Heat the pan with all the ingredients until the wine almost reaches a simmer over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Once done, shut the heat off and let the pan rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Strain the wine carefully into heat-proof glasses or mugs and stir in your desired amount of extra sweetener if needed.
- Give the wine a quick stir before serving and top with your favourite garnish.
Leftovers? No problems! Simply chill your mulled wine in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or saucepan. Prefer a non-alcoholic variation of mulled wine? Simply swap the wine for pomegranate juice and cranberry juice or a bottle of non-alcoholic red wine and pop in the rest of your desired ingredients into a slow cooker or pan, and there you have it.
Which are the Best Red Wines Needed to Prepare Mulled Wine?
There’s loads of choices when it comes to picking the best red wine to create your perfect mulled wine. Here’s our pick of wines that work beautifully in mulled wine:
- Grenache
- Tempranillo
- Sangiovese
- Pinot Noir
- Shiraz
When choosing your red wine, make sure to go for a smooth and balanced style rather than anything too strong or heavy, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavours. Experiment with different reds, fruits and spices that complement each other until you find your favourites. Bonus tip: you can also add a dash of brandy, gin, rum, or apple cider for a unique and tasty twist to your mulled wine.
Where Can I Buy Mulled Wine?
Skip the search; we have you covered. Find the perfect mulled wine products for your winter celebration at Dan Murphy's. We offer a wide selection of ready-made mulled wine bottles and pouches, non-alcoholic* mulled wines, spice mixes, and unique cocktail kits. Dan's also offers subscriptions featuring hand-picked wines to take the guesswork out of your next shop. Can't make it to a store? No worries, Dan's also offers convenient home delivery. Visit our website or liquor delivery app to explore our vast selection of mulled wine options today!
