Warm Up the Holidays with Spiced Mulled Wine

As the air grows crisp and festive lights illuminate the season, nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like a steaming glass of mulled wine. This timeless tradition combines the richness of red wine with the soothing scents of winter spices, creating a comforting drink perfect for gatherings or relaxing evenings by the fire. Elevate your holiday celebrations with our favorite recipe, featuring St. Francis Merlot!

Mulled wine has its roots in ancient Rome, where spices and wine were combined to stave off winter chills. Over the centuries, this warming drink traveled across Europe, evolving into a holiday staple. Known as glühwein in Germany, vin chaud in France, and glögg in Scandinavia, mulled wine has become synonymous with festive celebrations worldwide.

The beauty of mulled wine lies in its versatility. The best recipes start with a bold, fruity red wine and incorporate ingredients that evoke the spirit of the season. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wine: Opt for a robust red like Zinfandel, Syrah, or Merlot to hold up to the spices.
• Spices: Traditional choices include cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Citrus: Sliced oranges or their zest add brightness to the mix.
• Sweeteners: Honey, sugar, or maple syrup enhance the flavors without overpowering.
• Extras: For a festive twist, add a splash of brandy or a handful of fresh cranberries.

Creating mulled wine at home is delightfully simple. Here’s a foolproof recipe to impress your guests:

Ingredients:

• 2 Bottles of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Behler Merlot
• 1 Orange zested and juiced
• 1 oz Brandy
• ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
• ¼ Cup Brown Sugar
• 8 Cloves
• 4 Star Anise
• ½ Nutmeg, Crushed
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions:

1. Toast the spices: In a dry pot over medium heat, toast the cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks until their aroma fills the air.
2. Combine ingredients: Add the orange zest and juice, brandy, maple syrup, brown sugar, and Behler Merlot to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Heat gently: Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the edges begin to simmer. Avoid boiling to preserve the wine’s delicate flavors.
4. Infuse flavors: Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the wine steep for 30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
5. Strain and serve: Strain the mulled wine into a serving vessel, discarding the spices and zest. Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
6. Garnish: For an elegant finishing touch, add a twist of orange peel, star anise, or a cinnamon stick to each glass.