This comes from the colder climes of N Europe - when the snow and frost get hold, the appetite for something hot and warming increases.
For approximately 10-15 glasses you will need a litre or so of rough red wine, (the cheaper the better), half as much water, about 4oz/125g brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also buy sachets of Mulled wine spices which are rather like tea bags and can be removed from the mixture before serving. Fresh apples and oranges are nice to add sliced and chopped into bite sized pieces.
Method
Take a large pan and pour in the wine and water, mix in the brown sugar over a low heat, and gradually increase the heat as the sugar dissolves. Add the spices (a couple of tsps of each) or the sachet of spices. Keep the mixture moving and turn down the heat when it starts to boil. Add small chopped slices of eating apples and oranges before serving. NB if serving direct from the pan into glasses it is wise to place a teaspoon in the glass to prevent cracking. Allow the drink to cool before handing round, to avoid burned lips and tongues.
Comment
A very pleasant accompaniment to mince pies or other Winter and Christmas favourites. Do not forget it is alcoholic and will probably not appeal to children. For those wanting a non-alcoholic drink try substituting blackcurrant juice for the wine.
Page Created: 8th December 2000