Mulled Wine and variations of which are popular all around the world - and have been enjoyed for thousands of years. Made usually with red wine, combined with spices (e.g. cloves and cinnamon), plus sugar and typically served warm.
Historically, when wine often went off, by adding spices and honey, it could be made sort of drinkable again. Nowadays, it is a traditional drink during the winter months, especially at and around ski resorts and during festive winter occasions.
'Glogg' is the Nordic form of mulled wine, similar to Gluhwein in German-speaking countries. Gluhwein is usually prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, citrus fruits and sugar.
Almonds and raisins are often added to the Scandinavian version, though not to the German mulled wine. Fruit wines such as blueberry wine and cherry wine are sometimes used instead of grape wine in Germany. The oldest Gluhwein tankard is documented in old and noble German and from the first Riesling grower in the world, Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen around 1420. This gold-plated lockable silver tankard imitating the old traditional wooden vessels, with wine engravings - called 'Welcome'.
In Romania it is called 'vin fiert' (boiled wine), and can be made using either red or white wine, sometimes adding peppercorns to the brew. In Moldova the 'izvar' is made from red wine with black pepper and honey. In Italy, mulled wine is more typical in the northern parts of the country and is called 'vin brule'.
Sangria is a popular punch in many Spanish-speaking countries, is made with red or white wine mixed with sugar and plain or sparkling water, flavoured with citrus fruits, and served chilled.
Mulled wine is easy to make and can be made with red, rosé and even white wine as the base *(plus Ruby or Tawny Port is a great base) and as few or as many spices and fruits that you have in your home. So the next cold night in with family and friends, think about making and enjoying a glass or two of mulled wine. *(download the recipe below)
