What's the magic formula?
Red wine plus spices and fruit. Add a little heat and viola! The Magic of Mulled.
Heating the red wine is an essential part of the mulling experience.
So, what are your options?
Well, there are a few ways to do it, and here are 3:
- Stove
- Microwave
- Campfire
If you're looking for the convenience of a quick single glass? The microwave might be your best bet. But if throwing a mulled party or heating a whole bottle, then perhaps the stove or a warm crackling fire is the way to go! (for tips on throwing a mulled party click here)
1. Heating on the stove
The stove is a classic way of heating your mulled beverage.
It provides a rich infusion of flavour whilst lightly simmering the red wine to the perfect temperature. You can heat a single mug's worth or an entire bottle, either way, it's just as good.
Step 1. Put a pot on the stove at low-medium heat. Throw in 4 spiced bags for every bottle of red wine (750ml) or 1 spiced bag per mug's worth.
You can find the best mulling wine/cider suggestions here
Step 2. Lightly simmer for 4-5 minutes whilst stirring to infuse the flavours.
Be careful to not boil.
Step 3. Pour into your mugs and enjoy!
2. Heating in the microwave
The Microwave is a quick and convenient way to heat up your mulled beverage. If you only intend on heating 1 or 2 mugs, then the microwave is a lot easier than having to monitor a pot on a stove.
Step 1: Pour 250ml of your choice of wine/apple cider into a microwavable cup or mug. You can find the best mulling wine/cider suggestions here
Step 2: You can choose to put the spiced bag into the mug before or after you heat the wine depending on the intensity of spice flavour you desire. If you wish for more flavour have the bag in the beverage while heating. If you prefer a more subtle flavour stir it in after heating.
Step 3: Place your beverage in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. The length of time depends on the power (watts) of your microwave. You can test this at 30-second intervals to make sure you don’t boil the beverage, just simmer.
Step 4: Stir the spiced bag around to infuse the flavours. You might be tempted to sniff and sip right away but it’s best that you allow it to settle. This allows the vapours to simmer down and also helps prevent you from burning your mouth!
Step 5: Drink and enjoy! Drink by a fire, with friends, watch your favourite movie, on a date, on a cosy Friday night while it’s cold outside. It’s entirely up to you!
3. Heating on a campfire
This is our personal favourite! Mulled wine parties have been taking centre stage around campfires for decades.
Grab your closest friends and let's get started!
Step 1. Build that beautiful warm and cosy fire.
Step 2. Add the wine/cider to your pot. Throw in 4 spiced bags for every bottle of wine/cider (750ml) or 1 spiced bag for every mug's worth.
You can find the best mulling wine/cider suggestions here
Step 3. Place the pot within the fire or elevate it slightly above depending on the fire's intensity. The main aim here is to warm the brew without letting it boil.
Step 4. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring as you go.
Step 5. Pour your warm Mulled Beverage into your mug and enjoy!
So there you have it!
We trust these tips will help you cosy up with a mulled beverage!
Whether it's by yourself after a long day or throwing a spectacular mulled wine party with friends and family, how you heat your drink is completely up to you!