大象传媒

When choosing wine to mull, don't be tempted to go for the cheapest wine as it will taste even worse once it's warmed, however, you don't have to pay too much either. It's pointless going for a fine wine because you're going to be adding sugar, spice and everything nice!

Try a wine from Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Italy or Chile. The one thing they typically have in common is a deep fruity flavour and lots of rustic structure - perfect for mulling.

The time-honoured spice combinations for mulled wine almost always include cinnamon stick and whole cloves, often with the addition of nutmeg, mace, star anise, allspice berries, cardamom pods, slices of fresh ginger, orange zest and lemon zest.

To infuse the lovely flavour of all these spices without overpowering the taste or making the drink cloudy and gritty, use whole spices rather than ground ones.

Mulled wine is usually sweetened too. You can use white sugar or brown, maple syrup or honey to add just the right touch. Some people like to add a touch of tartness to the brew with orange, lemon or lime juice, and others like to fortify their mulled wine with a splash of brandy.

Never let the wine boil. If it's boiled it's spoiled!听 The flavour of the wine/spice combination will deteriorate if the mixture reaches the boiling point, so keep an eye on the stove.

This is a great time to invent your own secret recipe or try the one below.

Ingredients

1 lemon
1 orange
1 bottle of medium to full-bodied red wine
Grated nutmeg
Cloves (to taste)
60ml / 2 floz sloe gin / cognac
60g / 2oz demerara sugar
Herbal or citrus tea
4 large cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Cut the lemons and oranges into slices
Pour the red wine into saucepan and gradually heat
Add fruit slices, nutmeg, cloves and sloe gin / cognac
Keep an eye on the mixture and wait until it becomes hot to the touch
Blend in sugar and herbal tea
Pour into glasses
Garnish with a cinnamon stick