Mulled Wine from Arad
Ingredients: 250 ml white or red wine (according to preference) 3-4 cinnamon sticks 6 tablespoons of sugar 2-3 cloves (I didn't add them) 100 ml water (optional)
To prepare a warm and comforting drink, perfect for cool autumn or winter evenings, mulled wine is the ideal choice. We start by selecting a quality wine, preferably a red one, that offers a rich and full-bodied flavor. First, pour the wine into a medium-sized pot, making sure it is not too sweet, as the flavors will intensify during the heating process.
Next, we add cinnamon sticks, which will add a warm and spicy note to our drink. If you want an even more complex taste, feel free to add a few cloves – they will provide an exotic and pleasant aroma. Sugar is another key ingredient; start with a moderate amount, considering the sweetness of the wine. However, it is always better to adjust the taste according to personal preferences, so add the sugar gradually, tasting along the way.
Place the pot on low heat and let it warm slowly, being careful not to bring the wine to a rapid boil. When the wine starts to simmer, you will notice how the flavors blend and develop, creating a special atmosphere throughout the room. Once it has boiled, it’s time to take the pot off the heat to prevent the alcohol from evaporating completely. It is important to remember that prolonged boiling will diminish the strength of the wine but will intensify the flavors.
If the wine you have chosen has a higher strength, feel free to dilute it with water, according to the quantity mentioned in the recipe. This will help achieve a perfect balance between the flavors of the wine and the other ingredients. Once you have obtained the desired combination, let the drink rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to stabilize and combine.
Serve the mulled wine warm, in tall glasses or cups, as you prefer. It can be accompanied by a shodou, a traditional snack, but in my case, I chose to focus on the purity of the mulled wine, without any accompaniments. Regardless of your choice, the joy and warmth of this drink are guaranteed. So, get ready to enjoy a moment of relaxation, enveloped in the warm aromas of mulled wine. Bon appétit!
