Mulled wine is a time-honored custom that brings comfort to the soul and the body as the cold of winter sets in and Christmas decorations illuminate the streets. Christmastime in the coldest months of winter is the perfect time to sip mulled wine, a fragrant elixir that combines the sweetness and spices with the fullness of red wine. This age-old beverage has a rich history that spans several civilizations and has developed into many regional variants, each of which provides a distinct sensory experience.
History
Mulled wine has its origins in the culinary practices of the classical Greeks and Romans. While the Greeks enjoyed "hippocras," the Romans treasured "conditum paradoxum," a spicy sweet wine mentioned in the Apicius cookbook. Throughout the years, mulled wine has come to be associated with joyous occasions, particularly Christmas. Even in modern times, this comforting drink continues to demonstrate the timeless delight of uniting tastes and customs.
Types of Mulled Wine
Gluhwein
Glühwein is a traditional mulled wine that is sold in Christmas markets all throughout Europe and has its roots in Germany. It is made by heating red wine with a blend of spices, including star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. You can sweeten it with sugar or honey and give it a bright, brilliant flavour by adding citrus peels. Glühwein, when sipped from mugs on cold winter nights, embodies the joyous spirit of the season and fosters a welcoming and social mood.
Glogg
Hailing from Scandinavia, Glogg is a robust mulled wine that incorporates a variety of spices and often includes spirits like brandy or aquavit. Almonds and raisins are common additions, contributing to a delightful medley of textures. Glogg is served hot and is an integral part of Nordic winter celebrations, offering a comforting respite from the cold.
Smoking Bishop
This fascinating variant originated in Victorian England and gained widespread popularity because to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The ingredients for Smoking Bishop include a combination of spices, citrus, sugar, port, and red wine. The special touch is to boil the ingredients until they release their aroma, which is a lovely surprise. The end concoction is a luscious, comforting drink that takes people back in time to more joyous, carefree moments.
Oinomelo
Oinomelo is a mulled wine that takes you back in time to ancient Greece, paying honour to the drink's ancestors. Spices, honey, and red wine are the main ingredients in this rendition. Oinomelo, best enjoyed warm, has a flavour that goes back to bygone eras thanks to its blend of honey and spices.
Negus
Negus, with its origins in Britain, is a less complicated and more charming take on mulled wine. A red wine and water mixture is warmed, then sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are added. An evergreen option for parties and get-togethers, Negus gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries as a mulled wine because it is both adaptable and easy to drink.