Mulled wine recipes?
 

In a fit of pique, I decided to have people over for a little Christmas party next weekend. I want to make some kind of mulled wine, but the couple times I have had mulled wine, I haven't liked it. Yet I see so many people on Facebook talking about the joys of Gluhwein and such.

Do people have any recipes for mulled wine (smoking bishop, gluhwein, etc) that are really delicious?

There was a period in the 70's when mulled wine was all the rage in Scotland. Favourite recipe was the cheapest bottle of plonk you could find. Put it into a pot on a low peep and add some white sugar (nobody used brown sugar in Glasgow) a cinnamon stick, a sprinkling of cloves if you could get them and half an orange.

Needles to say the fad didn't last long as it was too much faffing about and wasn't strong enough to get drunk on.

Hangovers caused by sweet(ned) wine appears to be at least twice as bad as normal hangovers. :D

We do a white wine/mandarin vodka version every year that we enjoy and distribute to our neighbors. Involves lots of cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, brown sugar, oranges, and some other spices. We are going to make it this upcoming weekend. The key is to let it sit for a few days before imbibing.

Do a google search for "glögg" or "glogg".

I like to use a cab-merlot as my red wine base. The cab is strong enough to carry the spices and the merlot will ensure it goes down smoothly. Both bottles or pre-blended bottle should be passable otherwise the sugar will just make it worse.

The usual spice suspects are cinnamon, a clove or two, allspice (optional), dried orange peel and a few fresh peels. Go easy on the spice or the brew will be too bitter. To sweeten, use whatever you and your guests like. Sometimes I use honey, sometimes raw sugar or even white sugar.

If you're looking for a pre-blended spice mix, Williams Sonoma makes a decent, though overpriced, one. :)