Mulled Wine

Mulled wines are generally modeled after the spiced wines of the Renaissance era. They usually include cinnamon, cloves, and assorted spices. Warm mulled wines are to winter as sangria is to summer. On a winter’s evening, it is the perfect pairing for spiced ham, or for dessert: pumpkin pie, spice cookies or cake.

In 16th century England, Ipocras wine, both white and red, was a drink of the highest nobility. At a time when both sugar and spices were rare and precious, Ipocras was reserved for the use of royalty at the most precious ceremonial occasions. Indeed, Ipocras was the libation presented by the Lord Mayor of London to Queen Elizabeth I at her coronation. Ipocras (the name derives from Hippocrates) is very sweet and is generously flavored with several of the spices popular in old England. These include ginger, cinnamon, and clove, and they leave a wonderfully warm and lingering aftertaste. Fortunately, we live in a time where the makings of Ipocras are not so dear, and it may now be partaken of by the lesser nobility as well as you and me. (information courtesy pjmedia.com)

Today, Joe Canal's offers you choices in Mulled wine, whether you choose a ready-made product, or whether you prefer the DIY version.

You might try Mulled Spice Wine, from Tomasello Winery here in New Jersey.

Tomasello Mulled Spice Wine (NV) is made from a moderately sweet Native American grape, flavored with traditional mulling spices. Often served warm with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick, this wine has been called the perfect "après-ski" wine. A popular style of wine in the outdoor street markets and ski slopes of Europe, our Mulled Spice Wine is great for the holidays or any other cold winter night when you’d rather stay in. This is available for only $8.99 in both Lawrencevile and Woodbridge.

At our Woodbridge store only, we also carry Chaddsford Winery's (in SE PA) Spiced Apple Wine.

Apple, cinnamon & spice, just like Ma's apple pie. Heat it up in winter for a soothing hot mulled wine. And it's only $7.99 in the Bottle Club®.

For all of you DIYers, Lawrenceville carried the spices for mulling, at only $2.49. They're usually at one of the cash registers, so ask if you don't see the small display. A basic table wine is just fine here, so look for a red wine on display at the cash registers.

Or you could try this recipe, for up to 6 servings, from About.com:

Ingredients:
One bottle (750 ML) of red wine (suggestions: inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel or Merlot)
One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)
1/4 cup of brandy (E&J or Christian Bros)
8-10 cloves
1/3 cup honey or sugar*
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp fresh or 2 tsp ground ginger (allspice can be substituted)

To prepare:
To make the perfect cup of mulled wine, combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have been well blended it is ready to serve. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs (leave seasonings behind) and enjoy! * The 1/3 cup of honey or sugar does make a sweeter-styled mulled wine, feel free to cut honey/sugar down to taste. 

After several discussions of cold-weather cocktails, mulled wine will feel like a comfort food.