Mulled wine, a warm and inviting Christmas drink, is also known as spiced wine. This alcoholic beverage is made with red wine, infused with spices, and served hot. Here's a recipe for you to enjoy.
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This post didn't turn out the way I expected! But then again, does anything in life ever truly go according to plan? Regardless, Mehebub and I had a conversation over mulled wine that's worth sharing, and I couldn't think of a better way to wrap up the year.
We talked about something we hadn't discussed in the past ten months-at least not until I posted about it on Facebook recently. On Christmas evening, as we relaxed in our chairs with glasses of mulled wine, he suddenly asked, "Tell me, do you still think about what happened ten months ago?"
Life moves on, they say...
I knew exactly what he meant, but I couldn't resist asking, "Which incident are you talking about?" as I took a sip of my wine.
"You know, Debjani," he replied, "I'm talking about the Steven Johnson Syndrome, what you went through! I'm talking about that Bengali post you wrote on Facebook. Can't you just forget about it?"
A glass of mulled wine, two glasses for us
"That's your third glass of mulled wine," I said. "Is it you talking, or the wine? Do you really think I could forget my face isn't the same anymore? That I can't smile properly, and how much it affected me, deep down?" I tried to smile, even though I knew it wouldn't be the same. I still couldn't fully move my facial muscles!
"It was just an incident, not even an accident. It could have been me instead of you! You could have died! You know how rare Steven Johnson Syndrome is! But the important thing is, you're here with us, and that's all that matters!" he replied.
"Are looks really that important?"
"Are you saying you don't like how I look or sound now? Do you honestly think I'm the same person I was ten months ago?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration. He usually avoids these kinds of conversations. He knows I hate talking about anything related to what happened. So why bring it up today?
"Debjani, I saw you writing. What truly matters is that you're here with us. We've always respected your silence because we knew you didn't want to talk about it. You know yourself better than anyone, and you know you don't care about appearances, and neither do I. All Pasta cares about is having her mother with her, not what she looks like or how she speaks."
"But what about you, Mehebub? You're saying it doesn't affect you at all?" I asked, my anger rising.
He just smiled, which was incredibly irritating, and said, "I thought you knew me better than that. I don't think I need to explain myself to a Steven Johnson Syndrome survivor, someone I'm incredibly proud of. By the way, this mulled wine is amazing! Can you make some more? Are you going to write about it on your blog?"
"What a great conversation we're having!"
He smiled, adjusted his glasses, and reminisced, "Remember, it was also Christmas Eve when we found out we were expecting Pasta!"
some lemonade!
Watching our little one sitting with us, enjoying her Strawberry Lemonade, I was reminded again how wonderful life is with them!
I know I'm strong, and I don't worry too much about appearances. But I also know that my husband is more than just a husband; he's a friend, perhaps a gift from Santa many years ago!
A little bit about Mulled Wine
Speaking of holiday drinks, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting mug to chase away the winter chill. And when it comes to festive beverages, Mulled Wine holds a special place in many hearts. I'd love to share my recipe for homemade Mulled Wine with you, but first, let's delve a little into its history and charm. Mulled Wine, sometimes called spiced wine, is essentially a hot, spiced drink, most commonly made with red wine as its base. While variations exist across different cultures, its origins are generally traced back to the United Kingdom. It's a true classic Christmas beverage in many households, often enjoyed while decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or simply relaxing by the fireplace with loved ones. The aroma alone, a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and holiday cheer. Now that you know a little more about this delightful drink, let's get to the recipe!
It started with the Romans in the 2nd century as a way to stay warm during the winter. Later, Europeans began adding spices to hot wine. If you'd like to know more, there are interesting articles about wine available online.
I didn't get a chance to take pictures the first time I made it because we enjoyed it so much that it was all gone! I ended up making another big batch on the 31st, which was actually my fifth time making mulled wine this year. Finally, I was able to capture the perfect photos.
Here's how I make Mulled Wine at Debjanir Rannaghar
Recipe Card
Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 750 ml Red Wine 1 Bottle
- 2 Orange
- 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar optional
- 1 Cinnamon Stick large
- 2 Star Anise
- 10 Clove
- 4 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Orange Zest
Instructions
- Sliced Oranges with the skin on. Half will be used as the garnish.
- Take ⅔ Red Wine, half of the Orange rounds, Lemon Juice, Apple Cider, Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Clove, Brown Sugar, and Orange Zest in a saucepan, and heat on high flame for 2 minutes till the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the flame and keep heating the wine for 10-12 minutes.
- Add the rest of the Wine and heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve Warm Mulled Wine with your choice of garnish.
- I have used Orange slices to garnish the Mulled Wine
Nutrition
*About ten months ago, I was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and serious skin reaction. In my case, the medication had an unusual effect on me. Thankfully, the doctors recognized the symptoms early, minimizing the impact. After four days in the hospital and multiple steroid treatments, I was discharged. However, the medication caused another issue: palsy. I lost the ability to move my facial muscles, making it difficult to laugh or speak clearly.
I'm feeling much better today, almost 90% back to my old self, though people can still see a difference. This is my thank you to life, my family, and the year 2017, which gave me a second chance!
Happy New Year to you all!
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Let's connect!
I would love to see a picture of you making the mulled wine following my recipe. You can share here at [email protected]. You can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and share it through Instagram as well and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.
Mulled Wine Pin for your Pinterest board
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
anindya sundar basu says
Wonderful write up. We are proud of you. Your determination and will power has seen you through these days. More power to you. Wonderful pictures. Keep up the good work.