If you noticed that Cyprus supermarkets are stocking Christmas goods and that passers-by are wrapped up in sweaters then you’ll know that November is upon us. It’s time to get out of the chilly sea air and into a cosy room. Treat yourself with something both tasty and healthy, for example, “Glühwein”, mulled wine.
This “glass of sun” will lift your mood even when the sky is overcast. It’s even helpful in case of flu. Voltaire admired this wonder-drink : “Sweetness and strength of mulled wine revives the man … It actuates all gyrus and lights at heart magical fireworks, sparkling wit and joy».
The origins of mulled wine remain a mystery and it is still debated by historians, chefs and sommeliers. It’s possible the recipe came from the Roman Empire, medieval Britain or Germany but what we do know is that this drink is a favourite throughout Europe and beyond.
By the way, the German word “Glühwein”, means “gluhende weine”, translated into English as “hot, burning wine” and therefore Cypriots can rightly call it their national drink too.
Tastes differ, but mulled wine is even appreciated by coffee drinkers (by the way, coffee can also be used in the cooking of a warm wine potion, called «mulled wine»).
The popularity of this “glowing wine” owes its success to the amazing variety of ingredients that can go into the making of it as, in addition to the main ingredient of the wine itself, a host of spices, herbs and vegetables can be added, and adjustments made to satisfy individual tastes.
Here are the top 5 most popular mulled wine recipes in Cyprus. You can choose from one of these or create your own exclusive version.
Coffee mulled wine
Ingredients:
- Red wine – 200ml;
- Carnation – 5 sprigs;
- Cinnamon – 1/2 sticks;
- Orange – 1/2 pieces;
- Sugar – 3 tablespoons;
- Fresh coffee – 200 ml (Espresso, Americano or Frappe).
Mix all the ingredients in a pan and heat to a temperature of 80* C. Remove from heat and pour into glasses.
Non-alcoholic mulled wine
Ingredients:
- Grape juice – 1 liter;
- Cardamom powder – 1/3 tsp;
- Cloves – 5 pods;
- Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp;
- Ginger – 1/2;
- Nutmeg – pinch;
- Lemon – a few cloves to taste.
The secret is to replace the wine with a favorite juice. Mix all the ingredients in a pan and heat gently for 15 minutes. Your mulled…juice is ready!
Mulled wine against the cold
Ingredients:
- Red wine – 150 grams;
- Half a lemon;
- Clove – 5 pieces;
- Cinnamon – 1 stick or 1 pinch.
Make all the ingredients in a pan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly. Drink a hot mulled wine by taking small sips. Drink this tasty treat and be healthy!
Vintage glowing mulled wine
Ingredients:
- ½ bottle of red wine;
- ½ bottle of rum;
- 1.5 glass of water;
- 20 cloves;
- 20 crushed cardamom seeds;
- 10 cinnamon sticks;
- 1 large crushed nutmeg.
Mix together water, wine, rum and spices and bring to the boil. Pour the drink into glasses and garnish with lemon slices. Then, put a teaspoon in a glass, pour into it a little rum and ignite, and serve. Be careful!
Mulled white wine with raspberries
Ingredients:
- 500ml dry white wine 2 tbsp sugar;
- 200 grams of frozen raspberrie;
- 1 vanilla pod.
This unusual mulled wine is the best for the sushi-dinner. Place the wine in a small saucepan and add the sugar and raspberries. Slice the vanilla pod, scrape out the seeds and place in the saucepan. Cut the pod into pieces and also add to the saucepan. Simmer until warm but do not boil
Mulled wine is usually served in a thick glass, but any suitable dishes that retain heat for a long time will also be suitable. In keeping with Cypriot tradition, it can be served with Souvlaki, cheese or dessert.
Experimenting with mulled wine recipes has no limits but there are some rules.
If you want it to be delicious then follow these simple tips:
- Wine should be heated until the white foam disappears, but you don’t have to boil it.
- Serving the mulled wine too hot is prohibited (the temperature should not exceed 70°C), but reheating the drink is not recommended as it will spoil the taste.
- The most important chef’s rule is to cook with love! Let your smile be responded with a kiss on the lips of the one who tries your drink.
Make your own delicious memories!
