Winter Classic: The Wine&More recipe for mulled wine with brandy
What is a winter season if we don’t have a scent of cinnamon and cloves in the air? Here is our tested recipe for a warming mug of mulled wine that will make everyone, want more!
Usually, we wouldn’t add anything to the wine, let alone, raise the temperature of serving it. Expect in the winter! There is no better and more soothing feeling than having a warming cup of mulled wine after a day spent out in the cold.
Since here in Zagreb, we are waiting for the first snow to fall, we are pulling out our best recipes for the mulled wine to share with you. This how we do it!
Choose the grape variety
The most important part is choosing the right grape variety. We love Blaufrankish – or as it is called in Croatia, Frankovka. This variety has enough fruit sensations but more important, softer tannins and vivid acidity to hold all the spices, honey and fruit we will add to the wine.
Adding the spices and the fruit
For one bottle of Frankovka we add:
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of cloves (whole, not grounded)
- 1 organic/bio orange – sliced
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 dcl of brandy
- Honey to your taste (we usually add smaller amount, adjust to your taste or skip)
Don’t cook the wine!
Put all the ingredients in a pot and just simmer it slightly over medium-high temperature. Don’t boil the mulled wine. You’ll lose the alcohol and the structure too. Just simmer over 15 minutes or longer, to keep it warm for a refill.
Serving the mulled wine
Serve and drink warm. We avoid glasses and cups without handles, a regular coffee cup will be just fine.
Get an extra orange for garnishing and before serving, put a slice or two of fresh orange in each cup. Now, this is the real winter feeling, right? If you have homemade vanilla cookies, they are our favourite pair to a warm cup of mulled wine.
Enjoy your holidays!
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