Tips to make perfect mulled wine at home. (Image Credit: Istock)
Among all alcoholic beverages, wine enjoys much popularity for all kinds of celebrations or regular dinners. Red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and rose wine are the most popular varieties of wine. But our focus of attention in this article is on red wine. This variety of wine is mostly consumed during the winter and Christmas festivities. The best part is that it can also be used to make interesting concoctions. The mulled wine is one such fine example. As Christmas is just around the corner, we are sure wine lovers must be excited to make this drink. To make it perfect, here are some tips that'll come in handy. But first, let's understand what exactly is mulled wine.
What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a popular winter alcoholic drink. It is typically made with red wine and includes several spices. Apart from them, there is also the use of citrus and, sometimes, raisins. All these ingredients combined give this drink a unique taste. Mulled wine is enjoyed hot and is also commonly prepared during the Christmas festival.
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Here Are 5 Tips To Make Perfect Mulled Wine At Home:
1. The quality of the wine matters:
When making mulled wine, you must pay attention to the quality of the wine. By this, we do not mean that you should buy expensive wine. But instead, opt for a red wine with a smooth flavour profile. After all, we don't want the taste of wine to overpower everything else. It's best to opt for the one that you usually drink.
2. Use fresh ingredients:
Mulled wine contains several different ingredients in it. It includes spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus fruits like orange or lemon. You must ensure that all of these ingredients are fresh for the best results. If any of them is old, it can have a drastic impact on the overall flavour of your mulled wine. So, remember to do so always.
3. Balance out the flavours:
Mulled wine offers a blend of sweet and spicy flavours. While this can be quite interesting to the palate, remember to always balance out the flavours. We do not want to add too much nutmeg, too much citrus, or too much sugar. By doing so, your mulled wine will become either too spicy or too sweet. And this is something we want to avoid.
4. Always simmer the wine:
Another thing that can ruin the taste of your mulled wine is boiling it. This drink is enjoyed hot, but that doesn't mean you have to boil it. Instead, you must allow it to simmer gently. This ensures that the flavours of the spices and wine stay intact. If you boil your mulled wine, there is a high chance of it becoming bitter due to overheating.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment:
There are no hard-and-fast rules for making mulled wine. Of course, you need to balance out the sweet and spicy flavours. But do not hesitate to experiment. After all, the idea of a perfect glass of mulled wine comes down to personal preference. Feel free to get creative and add ingredients such as ginger, star anise, or even a bit of brandy to it.
Also Read: Why Does Red Wine Cause Headaches? Tips For Enjoying Wine Without Fear
Making mulled wine at home is not as difficult as it seems. Just follow the above-mentioned tips, and you'll be able to craft it perfectly. Click here for our recipe for mulled wine.