(What’s this?)

• E-Mail This Page
• Comment/Report a problem

When the days grow darker and the leaves start to turn, our Seasonal Affective Disorder starts to kick in. One of the palliatives: a comforting mug of spicy warm glögg, mulled wine, or mulled cider using a handy pouch of mulling spices we gather like squirrels hoarding nuts.

While some might pull out the canister of cinnamon sticks, measure out a little allspice, mix in some dried orange rind and drop in a few whole cloves, we take a simpler approach to mulling spices: we buy them premade so we always have them at our fingertips when the mood (or need!) strikes us for a warm, spicy beverage.

Premixed mulling spices make whipping up a number of toasty winter drinks as easy as spooning sugar into your coffee. The recipes below are ones that we enjoy winter after winter. Exact ingredients in mulling spice blends can vary, so adding in additional spices to suit your unique taste is encouraged. Have fun! Adding the almonds and raisins turns the mulled wine into the Scandinavian version, glögg.

Mulled Wine Brew up a potful of mulled wine as soon it gets nippy. The spicy aroma will fill your home and neighbors might just show up at your door with an empty cup (not for sugar). 2 cups water 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon mulling spices, tied in a cheesecloth 1 bottle red wine 1 cup brandy In a large saucepan, heat the water and add the sugar and mulling spices. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add wine and turn down heat to low. Cook at a low temperature, never allowing the wine to simmer, for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat, add the brandy, and serve in mugs or glass teacups.

Mulled wine looks especially festive in in glass teacups. Photo by Y.M. Naama | SXC.

Mulled Apple Cider Winter’s chill doesn’t stand a chance against a body full of hot apple cider. Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you: it’s hot, spicy and satisfying and it is the perfect beverage to serve to the kids after a snowball fight.  (Adults, you can add some Calvados.) 8 cups apple cider (or apple juice) 1 tablespoon mulling spices, tied in a cheesecloth Calvados (optional) Combine the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Discard the spices and serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick.

Glögg Greet your winter guests the Scandinavian way: with a steaming cup of this delicious cold-weather beverage. The combination of dry wine and vodka with the flavor-forward spices and the brightness of citrus zest packs a punch that could make anyone forget just how cold it is outside. 2 bottles dry red wine 3 cups vodka or aquavit 3 tablespoons mulling spice, tied in a cheesecloth 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup blanched almonds

Enjoy your glogg with gingerbread, almonds and an orange slice. Photo by Esther Ruzé | SXC.

In a large saucepan or stockpot combine the wine, vodka, mulling spices, orange zest and sugar. On medium heat, allow the mixture to come to a temperature just under a simmer (never let it come to a full boil), and cook for at least 30 minutes. Discard the mulling spices. Drop a few raisins and almonds at the bottom of each mug and top with the hot liquid. Serve warm...with gingerbread!

Glögg (pronounced glugg) can be made in a large batch and reheated over and over, as long as it is never allowed to come to a boil.

A Final Mulling

The expression “cup of good cheer” that comes to us fromMerry Olde England refers to hot mulled cider and wine. So, whether or not you have a fireplace, horse and sleigh, invite friends over to share a cup of one...or all three!

If you can’t find mulling spices at your supermarket or specialty food store, check out Victoria Gourmet’s Mulling Spices. This is the only blend we’ve seen that includes star anise along with the cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange peel. Be sure to check out blend sold at farmers markets and apple orchards, too.

 

For Your Winter Beverages

Waechtersbach Red Glazed Latte Mugs. Enjoy your warm drinks in these richly colored mugs. Click here for more information.	All-Clad Copper Core Stockpot. The copper core ensures that your brews heat evenly, and the stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean. Click here for more information.	Red Glass Goblets. Serve glogg or mulled wine in these beautiful, festive glasses. Click here for more information.

	Canterbury Cuisine Mulling Spices. The airtight, light-proof can isn’t glamorous, but it will keep your spices the freshest. Click here for more information.	Victoria Gourmet Mulling Spices. Victoria Gourmet adds star anise to the classic blend, and also offers a choice of airtight mason. Click here for more information.

 

© Copyright 2005-2008 Lifestyle Direct, Inc. All rights reserved. Photos are the copyright of their respective owners.

 

Spread The Word: Each icon below links to a site where you can bookmark, share and comment on this article: