Though wine flavored with spices has been a go-to tipple since the 1600s—it’s thought to have been an easy way to cover the flavor of bad wine—the term “mulled wine” didn’t really exist until the mid-1800s. A few decades later, Swedish mulled wine fortified with port—otherwise known as Glögg—surged in popularity. It is still a Christmas tradition today. Though it’s typically served in a mug with raisins and blanched almonds, it can also be garnished with a clove-studded orange wheel to enhance the drink’s notes of citrus and baking spice.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 750-ml bottles red wine
- 1 750-mL bottle port
- 1 Cup aquavit
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8 cloves
- 10 cardamom pods
- 1 piece ginger
- 1 Cup raisins
- 1 Cup white sugar
- Clove-studded orange wheels, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Step one
In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the wine, port and juice from the orange and lemon.
Step two
Tie up the orange and citrus zests in a cheesecloth bundle along with the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and ginger. Drop into the pot.
Step three
Add the almonds, raisins and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Step four
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer for 15 minutes until almonds are soft.
Step five
Skim off the foam from time to time, and taste, adding sugar as necessary.
Step six
Once 15 minutes are up, remove the cheesecloth bundle.
Step seven
Add the aquavit or brandy, and ladle into mugs.
Step eight
Garnish with clove-studded orange wheels.
Contributed by Supercall
