Hi There, Fellow Gardeners!
This is Becca.
Today, Organic Gurlz Gardens of Fort Wayne, Indiana will be sharing information on Mulled Wine.
So, what is mulled wine?
Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink often served in European cultures. The process was originally used to extend the life of wine, but it has evolved into something much greater.
Mulled wine must be heated before serving – if the mixture boils, it loses its alcohol content.
Common characteristics of mulled wine:
- Cinnamon sticks are frequently used as a garnish
- Cloves are a regularly used flavor for mulled wine
- Cardamom and Nutmeg are usually used as the spice in mulled wine
- Normally made from red wine
Our first recipe for mulled wine:
- 4 cups of non-pasteurized apple cider
- 3/4 cup of honey
- 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet work well with this recipe)
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 1 large orange – zested and juiced
- 5 freshly crushed whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- Orange(s) peeled for garnish, if desired
Combine all the ingredients (except ‘garnish’ oranges) and let simmer in a saucepan on low for 10-15 minutes.
Then, I pour the spicy mixture into a ceramic mug to maintain the warm temperature.
To best enjoy the warmth of this winter beverage, drink as soon as it is out of the saucepan.
Our second recipe for mulled wine:
- 2 clementine (fresh, not canned)
- 1 fresh lemon
- 1 tbsp. of Allspice
- 1 fresh lime
- 4 whole cloves
- 200 grams of pure cane sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 1 whole nutmeg – I use this freshly ground for this recipe
- 2 vanilla bean pods
- 2 star anise
- 1 bottle of red wine
Peel large segments of the clementine, lemons and limes rind. Set the fresh peels and “naked’ fruit off to the side.
Place the sugar into a saucepan and turn the stove up to a medium heat. Supplement in the bits of rind that was peeled off earlier and squeeze in the clementine juice.
Add the freshly ground cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and about 8 to 15 gratings of the whole nutmeg. Toss in the vanilla pods (halved the “hotdog” way) and stir in just enough red wine to cover the sugar.
Let the solution fizz until the sugar has completely dissolved into the new mixture.
Allow the liquid to simmer (do not boil). Make sure to be stirring consistently.
Pour through a sieve into a cup.
Enjoy your hot wine!
Don’t forget to tell your kids, grandchildren , nieces and nephews about the Kids Oasis!
Don’t have a garden? No Worries! Contact Becca at Becca.b@OrganicGurlzGardens.
Keep on growing!
“Let The Muddy, Messy Girl Build Your Garden Today”
The Organic Gurlz Gardens
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