The end of the year is fast approaching, bringing with it the festive celebrations and culinary traditions of the winter season. To warm up at Christmas markets, the tradition is to drink mulled wine, a warm and comforting beverage. But what is the origin of this custom?
Origins
The first mulled wines appeared during the Roman Empire, in 20 AD. At the time, it was not drunk for pleasure, but mainly to aid digestion. It was made with wine, honey, pepper, bay leaves, saffron, walnuts and dates (as well as their roasted pits). Glowing coals were then dipped into it to preserve it.
In France, it became popular as early as the 13th century, particularly in Montpellier thanks to the port of Lattes, which enabled the spice trade with the Orient. Its fame reached the table of Henry III of England, who drank it at his meals. The first mulled wine recipe ever found actually comes from a document relating to one of his orders. It should be noted that this beverage was a luxury reserved for the wealthiest, as spices were very expensive at the time.
It gradually spread throughout Europe, including Sweden in the 17th century under the name Glögg (King Gustav I regularly drank it), and Germany and Alsace at the end of the 19th century. The recipe changed slightly: adding spices such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom helped preserve the mulled wine for longer by preventing oxidation. Oranges were added to the mixture only later.
International variations
Nowadays, the beverage is generally made with red wine, spices and sugar, but versions made with white wine or apple juice also exist. Each country has added its own personal touch, resulting in highly varied and original recipes from one part of the world to another:
- Brazil: it is served with cachaça and is served during the Fiesta Junina.
- Bulgaria: as in the original recipe, honey is diluted in it, and apples are often added alongside citrus fruits.
- Canada: maple syrup is generally added.
- Hungary: they use spices like we do, but customize it with a local wine, Egri Bikaver.
- Latvia: they add a black liqueur from Riga, Black Balsam, to the mulled wine.
- Poland: the wine is replaced with beer, heated in the same way with the other traditional ingredients (spices and fruit).
- Sweden: sometimes made with white wine and often enhanced with vodka or brandy, it otherwise uses the same ingredients (sugar and spices).
Preparation and tasting
In France, red wine, citrus fruits and spices (especially cinnamon) are generally used, and everything is heated without ever bringing it to a boil. Choosing the wine is always the big question: it is recommended to avoid wines with pronounced tannins, as their astringency is more difficult to mask with sugar. It is therefore better to choose a young, fruity wine that is also as smooth as the other ingredients, such as a Gamay or a Merlot. To accompany it, Christmas cakes are ideal: gingerbread, shortbread, chocolate or cinnamon cake, roasted chestnuts... the choice is yours!
And now, here is a classic, foolproof recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds. You will need:
- 1.5 L red wine
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 orange
- Lemon and orange zest
- Spices (1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 2 cloves, 1 pinch of grated nutmeg)
Strain the wine, cut the oranges into slices, then mix all the ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over low heat until the mixture begins to simmer, then serve hot! Incredibly simple, but delicious.
For an alcohol-free version, simply replace the wine with the same quantity of good-quality apple juice. Your mulled wine will keep in the refrigerator for a few days, and you can reheat it without any problem (it will be even better!)
And while waiting for the end-of-year celebrations, don't hesitate to pre-order our superb wine Advent calendar, which will accompany you throughout the month of December!
