What is the history of mulled wine?
Mulled wine has been around for centuries and its origin is hotly contested. Some say it dates back to the Romans, who used to heat up their wine with spices to ward off the chill. Others believe mulled wine originated in medieval England, where wines were often spiced to make them more palatable. There’s even a theory that mulled wine was created by the Vikings, who would heat up their mead (fermented honey) with spices to keep warm on long voyages.
Whatever its origins, mulled wine became a popular wintertime beverage in Europe during the Middle Ages. At first, it was a luxury item consumed only by the wealthy, but by the 16th century, it had become more prevalent and was even being sold by street vendors. In colder countries like England and Germany, mulled wine was a welcome respite from the cold weather, and it remains a popular winter drink to this day.
Mulled wine is typically made by heating up red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Some recipes also call for the addition of citrus fruits, honey, or even brandy. The result is a fragrant, flavorful drink that is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.
So, there you have it: the history of mulled wine in a nutshell. Whether it was created by the Romans, the Vikings, or medieval Englishmen, this delicious wintertime beverage is sure to warm your soul..Reference
How do you know when mulled wine is ready to drink?
When mulled wine is heated, the flavors meld together and become more pronounced. If you’re using fresh spices, you’ll want to give them a good simmer so their flavors have time to infuse into the wine. Dried spices can be added early on and steeped for as long as you like. Some people like to add a little sugar to their mulled wine, but it’s not necessary. If you do add sugar, wait to do so until the end so you can taste the wine and see if it needs it. Once your mulled wine is ready, ladle it into mugs and enjoy!
Visit howtomakewinefromgrapes.com to learn more about how to make mulled wine. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.