The end of the year is fast approaching, bringing with it the festive 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, around 20 AD. At the time, it was not consumed for pleasure but mainly to aid digestion. It was made from wine, honey, pepper, bay leaf, saffron, walnuts, and dates (as well as their roasted pits). Hot coals were then dipped into it to preserve it.
In France, it became popular from the 13th century, especially in Montpellier thanks to the port of Lattes, which allowed spice trade with the East. Its fame reached the table of Henry III of England, who drank it at his court. The first recorded mulled wine recipe actually comes from a document related to one of his orders. Note that this drink was a luxury reserved for the wealthy because spices were very expensive at that time.
It gradually spread across Europe, such as in Sweden in the 17th century under the name Glögg (King Gustav I drank it regularly), and in Germany and Alsace at the end of the 19th century. The recipe changed slightly: the addition of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom helps preserve the mulled wine longer by preventing oxidation. Oranges were also added to the mix only later.
International Variations
Today, the drink is generally made from red wine, spices, and sugar, but there are also versions made with white wine or apple juice. Each country has added its own personal touch, resulting in very varied and original recipes from one region of the world to another:
⦁ Brazil: served with cachaça and enjoyed during the Fiesta Junina.
⦁ Bulgaria: like the original recipe, they dilute it with honey and often add apples in addition to citrus fruits.
⦁ Canada: maple syrup is usually added.
⦁ Hungary: they use spices like we do but personalize it with a local wine, Egri Bikaver.
⦁ Latvia: they add a black liqueur from Riga called Black Balsam to the mulled wine.
⦁ Poland: wine is replaced by beer, heated in the same way with the traditional spices and fruits.
⦁ Sweden: sometimes made with white wine and often with added vodka or brandy, otherwise using the same other 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 boiling. The choice of wine is always a big question: it is advised to avoid wines with strong tannins because the rough sensation in the mouth is harder to mask with sugar. It is better to choose a young, fruity, and as smooth wine as the other ingredients, such as a Gamay or a Merlot. To accompany it, Christmas cookies are ideal: gingerbread, shortbread, chocolate or cinnamon cake, hot chestnuts... the choice is yours!
And now, here is a classic and foolproof recipe that will surely delight your taste buds. You will need:
⦁ 1.5L of red wine
⦁ 150g of granulated sugar
⦁ 1 orange
⦁ Zests of lemon and orange
⦁ Spices (1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 2 cloves, a pinch of grated nutmeg)
Strain the wine, slice the oranges, then mix all the ingredients in a saucepan. Heat gently until the mixture simmers, then serve hot! Super simple but delicious. For an alcohol-free version, just replace the wine with the same amount of good-quality apple juice. Your mulled wine will keep refrigerated for a few days and can be reheated without any problem (it will even taste better!).
And while waiting for the end-of-year festivities, don’t hesitate to pre-order our wonderful 2021 Wine Advent Calendar, which will accompany you throughout December!
