Cooking Lesson #192 Chilled Mulled Wine Sangria

The 2020 Holidays Recipe Collection

Merry Christmas! How you doin’? It’s time to get spiced up for the holidays and there’s no better way than with a warm Spiced Wine Sangria to up the ante. You’ll be able to warm up your friends and family with this mulled wine recipe. This beverage abounds with fresh fruits, warm spices, sweet liquor and red wine, of course.
 
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a beverage made with red wine along with various mulling spices. It is served hot or warm and is alcoholic, although there are non-alcoholic versions of it (they’re no fun at all). It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas and New Year’s (or whenever you need a little lift during this crazy winter!).
 
Mulled wine originated in the 2nd century; it was created by the Romans to ward off the winter cold and keep warm. As the Romans conquered much of Europe throughout the next century, their love for mulled wine spread across their empire and the regions they conquered.
 
Couldn’t finish it all? Got some leftovers? Don’t pour it down the drain! Let the mulled wine cool at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. It will keep well chilled for up to three days.
 
This is a chilled recipe that I faithfully use every year.  I brought it back from Copenhagen, Denmark right out of Tivoli Gardens. No need to buy expensive liquor or wine for this recipe.
 
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time:  10 to 15 minutes
Chill time:  overnight
Yields:  8 to 10 servings
 
Ingredients
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup triple sec
1 lime, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 apple, sliced
1 pear, sliced
3 mandarin orange slices
Handful of cranberries
1 bottle red wine
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3 cinnamon sticks
Granulated sugar to taste
7 Up, Sprite, or Club Soda (optional, for sparkle)
 
Directions

1. Pour the brandy, triple sec, fruit and all but 1 cup of red wine into a pitcher and stir; then set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, spices and remaining red wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add granulated sugar to the simmering mixture if you desire a sweeter beverage.
4. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and strainer to remove the whole spices.
5. Add this mixture to the pitcher and refrigerate it overnight.
6. Pour the Sangria into individual wine glasses and serve.
7. If you want to add sparkle and sweetness to your sangria, top the mixture off with a splash of 7 Up or Sprite. Or use club soda to add sparkle without any extra sweetness.

ChefSecret:  Hot spice mulled wine is easy to make with this recipe. Simply serve it after it has been strained. Omit the added 7-Up or Sprite and adjust the sugar if necessary.

Covid-19 Quip of the Day:  “Half of us are going to come out of this pandemic as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.”
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Here is wishing you the very best for the upcoming holidays. To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind welcoming in the holiday season. If you have a little extra in your pockets to share with others at this difficult time, please consider donating to Feeding America. Thanks for reading.

#Cocktail #HappyHour #MerryChristmas #MulledWine #Sangria #HolidayRecipes #Holidays2020 #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

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