Our version of Clarence’s Mulled Wine is just as the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life ordered it: “heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves.” You may not earn your wings by drinking a glass, but you definitely feel a little lighter while sipping on this mulled wine.
Consider making our Salty Snack Mix Recipe so that you have something crisp to nibble during your wintery cocktail hour. Sit down and re-watch It’s a Wonderful Life this year. Its story of human decency and the healthy interconnection of friends and neighbors inspires us to be generous in the way we live our lives.
What Is the History of Mulled Wine
Mulled wine’s coziness has enchanted people since the days of ancient Rome. The concept of heating and spicing wine goes back to the Romans, who would warm wine with spices to make it more palatable, especially during cold weather. This practice likely spread throughout Europe as the Roman Empire expanded. By the 16th century, mulled wine, known in England as “wassail,” became a staple during Christmas and New Year celebrations. It was often associated with toasting and social gatherings. In Germany, it evolved into “Glühwein,” typically made with red wine and served at Christmas markets, and has remained a holiday tradition.
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Clarence’s Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Syrah
- 1/3 c Rémy Martin Cognac
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 orange sliced (more for garnish)
- 8 cinnamon sticks (more for garnish)
- 4 star anise (more for garnish)
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, add all ingredients and stir together.
- Place the pot over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Do not boil.
- Ladle into mugs
- Garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise pod. Sip your mug of Clarence’s Mulled Wine slowly, perhaps wondering whether you’ve done as much as George Bailey for this world of ours!
Recipe and Styling by Star Laliberte / Photo by Laura Petrilla
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