STEVE'S FULL MOON RITUALLY APPROVED MULLED WINE
This can be made ahead of time in fact it seems
to get better after a few days maturation. The difficulty is in not scoffing
the lot before your function and having to do another batch. The quantities
are in parts so you can make as much as needed. My suggestion is that
you make twice as much as you think is required cause your guests are
gonna scoff it, especially if it's being served at any kind of Pagan event!
Use a glass or stainless steel container.
Do not use aluminium as it may taint the brew.
Now…are you paying attention? Good, cause here goes…
1. Four parts of any cheapo red wine will do. I use Renmano cask red but it doesn't matter. If your budget isn't limited then go for your favourite bottle(s) but I think this is a bit extravagant. Taste the wine before use to make sure it is OK.
2. Half a part of port - cask is fine. Taste a little to make sure it's alright.
3. A slurp of brandy (or scotch if you prefer). Taste first though before adding.
4. One part orange juice. Once again, fresh orange juice is hard to beat but it's a lot of mucking about. The orange juice doesn't require tasting.
5. Juice of one lemon - Don't taste this either
6. Ten whole cloves.
7. Four cinnamon sticks - you can use ground cinnamon if you are in a hurry but it tends to float for a while and makes the last few cups a bit "gritty". It's usually not necessary to taste this or the cloves. (Important note - It's about here that you can add some frog spawn, eye of newt or dried bats ears - do not taste these either!)
8. Now comes the hard bit. Add a few tablespoons of brown sugar and a good few dollops of honey. This needs to be according to your personal tastes - be careful not to make it too sweet as you can always add a little more later.
9. Allow the whole concoction to sit overnight (or at least for a few hours). This helps the flavours to integrate. Put a little in a cup and microwave for a few seconds but don't boil. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. I usually end up adding another part or three of port plus more brandy. Taste these again before adding.
Are you still with me…? Good - cause I'm only going to say this next bit once!
It's more or less one or two hours before you
Are going to serve up this magical brew
This next bit is easy - you've done the hard toil
Warm it most gently but …
DON'T ALLOW IT TO BOIL!
Serve and enjoy.
(Some advice to first-timers…don't go making this before the sun
has reached it's zenith as tasting is an essential part of the process
and you will find yourself s***faced before morning tea - be warned)
