Mulled wine

Mulled wine – Recipe for homemade Christmas spiced mulled wine. Serving a glass of hot Christmas mulled wine is a lovely tradition in the days leading up to Christmas. This one is made with a homemade mulled wine extract of beautiful, fragrant Christmas spices.

Feel free to make the mulled wine extract the day before so that it can sit and absorb the flavor from the spices overnight. It can easily keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator. Besides being cozy and super easy, the advantage of making your own mulled wine extract is that you can decide for yourself how sweet the mulled wine should be. I often find that mulled wine is a bit too sweet and sticky. Another trick is to serve the mulled wine in small glasses so that you can drink it while it is warm, because half-cold mulled wine is not so delicious. That way you can always fill your glass up again…

I serve the mulled wine with almonds and raisins. It’s delicious with whole almonds, but you can of course also use almond slivers, but don’t chop the almonds, because then there will be a lot of crumbs in the mulled wine. You can soak the raisins in, for example, port wine for a few hours before serving the mulled wine. This mulled wine is not strong, but if you think that schnapps and rum belong in your mulled wine, just add it. Also try my recipe for homemade mulled wine apple juice without alcohol.

Mulled wine: a cozy winter tradition

Mulled wine, known as “gløgg” in Denmark, is a beloved winter beverage that warms the soul and embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season. This traditional drink is made by heating red wine with a blend of aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, along with sweeteners like sugar and orange zest. The result is a fragrant, spiced concoction that fills the air with delightful scents, evoking a sense of comfort and celebration.

The origins of mulled wine date back to ancient times when it was consumed for its warming properties during the cold winter months. In Denmark, gløgg is often enjoyed at Christmas markets and holiday gatherings, where friends and families come together to share in the joy of the season. It is common to serve gløgg with slivers of almonds and raisins, adding texture and a touch of sweetness to each sip.

Preparing mulled wine is a simple yet rewarding process. The wine is gently heated with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Some variations even include a splash of spirits like brandy or aquavit for an extra kick.

Sipping on a warm mug of mulled wine while gathered around a cozy fire or enjoying festive activities is an experience that captures the essence of winter celebrations. It’s a drink that not only brings warmth but also fosters togetherness, making it a cherished part of Danish and Scandinavian holiday traditions.