Mulled wine

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink that is common in Europe during the winter. It is  especially served during Christmas markets. Usually it is served hot. Usually, it is made from wine, to wich spices are added. Very often, citrus fruits are also added. The beverage is then heated. Usually, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are used. Slices of lemon or orange are put in as well.  It is served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas. It is usually served at Christmas markets in Europe, primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries, Great Britain and France. 

Both variants using red wine or white wine are common, the kind of wine varies by region. There are also versions without alcohol.  In the german speaking countries this drink is known as Glühwein, in French, it is often call vin chaud (literally: hot wine). 

Industrially produced mulled wine often uses poor quality ingredients, with a lot of sugar added, to hide the lower quality.

Mulled wine is simple to prepare, there are many recipes which allow to make it in about half an hour to an hour.

 Origins 
The first record of wine being spiced and heated can be found in Plautus' play Curculio, written during the 2nd century BC. The Romans travelled across Europe, conquering much of it and trading with the rest. The legions brought wine and viticulture with them up to the Rhine and Danube rivers and to the Scottish border, along with their recipes.

The Forme of Cury, a medieval English cookery book from 1390, which mentioned mulled wine, says: "Pur fait Ypocras ..." grinding together cinnamon, ginger, galangal, cloves, long pepper, nutmeg, marjoram, cardamom, and grains of paradise ("spykenard de Spayn", rosemary may be substituted). This is mixed with red wine and sugar (form and quantity unstated.

 References 

Category:Christmas food