Picture this. It’s a cold rainy day, strong wind billowing outside. You chill on the couch with raindrops making their way down the window. In one hand you have your favourite novel and in the other a warm beverage. Sounds amazing right?

Hot cocoa is a good choice, but why not try something a bit stronger. Mulled wine doesn’t just taste great but also warms you up.

I first came across mulled wine when I visited my uncle in the UK. To be honest it was the first drink I had in the UK. I went in December and it was winterand cold and rainy weather. What better way to warm up than exploring the streets and markets of London with a cup of mulled wine! Every market had at least one stall selling mulled wine which they spiked with some liqueur, making it extra special.

What is mulled wine? In short, it’s warm spiced wine, also commonly known as glühwein. It’s best enjoyed over Christmas time or in the winter when you need to warm up from the inside. Whether you are with friends or by yourself, mulled wine will make you feel warm, cosy and relaxed.

When the Free State winter kicked off, I decided to embrace the opportunity to make my own and was surprised at how easy it was. My first attenmpt was a great success! Comfortable on the couch with a cup and my photos from my holiday, it was amazing to relive some of the moments.

Any bottle dry red or dry white wine can be used. It doesn’t need to be an expensive bottle. I used some Cabernet Sauvignon.

So next time you are having friends over on a cold day, “spice” things up by surprising them with some mulled wine. It’s easy and with the prep time between 10 to 20 minutes it will be done in no time.

[divider]Ingredients[/divider]

1 bottle wine

Half an orange sliced

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

3 to 4 tablespoons sugar

 

[divider]Method[/divider]

Pour the wine into a pot.

Add the sliced orange, cinnamon stick, cloves and sugar.

Let is simmer for 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t let it boil.

Stir it regularly.

Serve in heatproof glasses.

 

Notes:

I used treacle sugar but brown sugar will work just as well.

You can add other spices such as star anise – be creative!

This recipe makes about four cups.