McGrail Vineyards is OPEN by Reservation for tastings and bottle service daily! Curbside pickup is also open daily from 10:30-4:30PM.

Tag: <span>gluhwein</span>

Wine Cocktails

Holiday Mulled Wine Recipe from McGrail

By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards

Regardless of the fact our winemaker isn’t always pleased with me when I make cocktails and other drinks that involve adding something to his wine, Mark and I both know some people LOVE that sort of thing, and in this business, it’s all about making customers happy. It’s fun, trendy, and just a change of pace. While discussing this sometimes sore subject with our SIP Club members, Mark mentioned having drunk Glögg (or did he call it Glühwein?) in his younger years.

What the heck am I talking about? Holiday mulled wine. Glögg and Glühwein are the Swedish and German names, respectively, for it. In Swedish, it translates to “glowing ember,” and in German, it means “glowing wine,” which seems to imply that this stuff can make you feel pretty dang good when you drink it. Mark recalled having a foggy memory after just one glass. Somehow he’s still quite fond of the stuff, but I’m curious to know exactly what was in it.

Traditionally, mulled wine contains baking spices, fruit, and wine, of course, and it’s typically drunk around Christmastime. It’s quite simple to make, but it sure can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside! This is an easy recipe I’ve made up using our Shamus Patrick Red Blend. We’re looking forward to sharing this with our SIP Club members this week!

Holiday Mulled Wine

Holiday Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

  • 750mL bottle McGrail Shamus Patrick Red Blend
  • 1 navel orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 2 star anise
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 black pepper corns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup apple or orange juice (optional)
  • 1/3 cup brandy, dark rum, or bourbon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup whole cranberries, as a garnish (optional)
  • extra cinnamon sticks, as a garnish (optional)
Holiday Mulled Wine

Directions:

  1. In a large sauce pan, combine Shamus Patrick Red Blend, orange slices, lemon slices, star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black pepper corns, bay leaf, brown sugar, and optional juice and liquor. Stir to combine.
  2. Heat the wine over medium-high, until it just reaches a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Do not allow to boil, as this could cook out the alcohol. Allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes and up to three hours.
  3. Use a mesh strainer to remove all non-liquid ingredients from wine before serving.
  4. Serve warm in your favorite mug and garnish with cranberries or extra cinnamon sticks, while enjoying your favorite holiday movies.
Holiday Mulled Wine

What You Should Know About Mulled Wine

  • Glühwein is sometimes prepared “mit Schuss,” or with a shot, which is why I included the optional brandy or rum in the recipe.
  • If you somehow have leftover mulled wine, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should ideally be consumed within three days.
  • To reheat the mulled wine, simply bring it to a simmer on low heat in a large sauce pan on the stove.
  • Fresh ginger, cardamom pods, nutmeg, allspice, and raisins can be added to mulled wine, depending on one’s personal preferences.

Holiday Mulled Wine

National Mulled Wine Day

Celebrate National Mulled Wine Day with us on March 3rd, 2021!


Please let us know if you make this warm holiday recipe and what your thoughts are! We love to hear from you.

Cheers!