What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine or spiced wine is flavor infused wine. Often a combnation of fresh fruit and whole spices are added to a bottle of wine. It is then simmered in very low heat for about 15 minutes for the flavor to blend. The end result is flavor burst wine that will taste warm from all the spices and floral sweet from the fresh fruits.
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What fruits are added in Mulled Wine?
Mulled Wine is often prepared during Holiday season. So think of autumn fruits. Typically Orange and Pears are used. Cranberry is a good choice and some even adds crisp green apple.
What Spices are added?
Think of all the warm spices. Cinnamon Stick, Bay leaves, Star Annise, Close Cardamoms are common choices. Add only whole spices and not powder. You want the flavor! You don’t want to taste spice when you are sipping the mulled wine.
My first experience with Warm Spiced Wine
The first time that we tasted warm wine was in Paris, way back in 2012. We were on a vacation. Since it was during Thanksgiving, you can imagine how cold it was. Every other lane that we walked by had this small shop or stall where a big pot of wine would be simmering away. At first, the idea of warm wine felt a little weird. But then one sip and I loved how beautifully it warmed up my palate.
Preparing Spiced Wine
Mulled wine is also sometimes referred to as spiced wine. It is very very easy to make. You put everything in a big pot and then let it simmer is very low heat for about 15 minutes. You don’t want cook in medium heat or else the alcohol will cook off. You want it stay boozy but with extra added flavor. Once done, strain and serve or add extra lemon slices and leave the spices in the cup.
Honestly speaking, I can get a little lazy when it comes to making Mulled Wine or Sangria. I enjoy wine. And after a busy week, I would rather just pour myself a glass instead of making the wine more interesting. Having said that, every time I put in a little effort to make mulled wine, I say to myself - make it more often! Warm Spiced wine is so tasty and flavorful. With little effort, it is such a quick way to uplift the essence of any wine.
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