Mulled Wine: A Christmas Holiday Favorite
Spiced Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a Christmas tradition. This tradition dates to the 16th century. Prior to becoming a Christmas tradition, mulled wine can be traced to the Roman empire.Mulled (pronounced mold) wine is a heated wine. Red wine was original served heated with mixed spices, lemon and honey. Served heated to make the cold weather more manageable. Spices were added to promote good health and wellness. Honey and floral flavors hid the taste of bad wine. Today, there are variations of mulled wine from red and white wines to sangria blends. 
Selecting Wines
You do not have to use an expensive wine. Actually, if a wine was re-gifted to you, that may be the best wine to use as your base. You need a hearty wine like a Syrah, Malbec or Zinfandel. Do not use light or medium body wine like a Pinot Noir. Mulled wine can be made with white wines also. Riesling or Chenin Blanc are great white wines. You want an aromatic white wines with low acid.
Preparing Mulled Wine
You want to make sure you do not burn off the alcohol. Heat slowly to a maximum temperature of 160 degrees. Keep a thermometer near. The mixture loses alcohol when the temperature reaches 167 degrees. A crock pot is the best method to warm your concoction. Keep the setting on low.
Quick and Easy Recipe
Do you want to enjoy this holiday traditional without the measuring and mixing? Lt. Blender Wine Freezer makes a mulled wine mixture. 
You only need three ingredients. Add a bottle wine and water to the bag. (I prefer to forgo the water and add two bottles of wine). Shake the bag mixing all the ingredients, pour into pot and warm. Garnish with cinnamon sticks. You can purchase Wine Freezer at Amazon.com. Easy!!
Traditional Recipe
If you are up for the challenge, try this more traditional recipe. This recipe is courtesy of Kitchen Confidante. I really love this recipe. INGREDIENTS1 750-ml bottle red wine (perferrably a Maryland wine)1 cup sugar1 cup apple juice2 lemons, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds2 clementines, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds3 cinnamon sticks2 whole nutmeg1 teaspoon whole cloves1 teaspoon whole allspice INSTRUCTIONSIn a heavy saucepan or slow cooker, combine the wine, sugar, apple juice, fruit and spices. Warm the beverage slowly over low heat without boiling and allow the flavors to come together for at least one hour. Strain before serving, if you wish. Enjoy warm!We have more mulled wine recipes on Vino 301’s Pinterest page. Check out our page. You can also attend our Holiday Wine tasting class on December 10 at Old Line Wine Spirit and Bistro in Beltsville, MD.
Enjoyed Vino 301's blog? You can receive our blog and You subscribe to our blog here