The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine
The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine Recipe - A Delicious Winter Drink
Introduction
The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine is a classic winter drink that warms you up from the inside out. This recipe combines red wine with a blend of spices and citrus fruits to create a delicious and aromatic beverage that is perfect for cozy nights by the fire.
History
Hot spiced wine has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the drink appearing in different cultures around the world. The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine recipe is a traditional European version that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 2 bottles of red wine (Shiraz and Cabernet work well)
- 750 ml pulp-free orange juice (half as much orange juice as wine)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon and 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp nutmeg
- Approximately 3 1-inch cubes of fresh ginger. Crush these into the wine using a garlic press.
- Approximately 3 tbsp of honey
- 3-6 heaping tablespoons of cane sugar (or white sugar)
- 2 clementines, halved (or 1 small orange)
- 0.25 of a fresh lemon, squeezed over the pot (Optional, but don’t substitute lemon juice from a bottle.)
- 12-20 cloves
- 0.5 shot of brandy, cognac, or armagnac (optional, but adds a pleasant kick)
How to prepare
- Insert the cloves stem first into the rind of the clementine, leaving only the buds exposed. If necessary, use a small knife to pierce the flesh of the clementines before inserting the cloves.
- Place the clementines in the wine, with the rind facing down and the cloves submerged in the wine.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Avoid boiling the liquid.
- Stir the mixture frequently with a whisk while it simmers for approximately 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to keep the wine just below a simmer and continue heating for 45 minutes.
- Serve the wine using a ladle.
Variations
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine with grape juice or apple cider.
- Add a splash of rum or brandy for an extra boozy kick.
- Experiment with different spices like star anise or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use a good quality red wine for this recipe, as the flavor of the wine will greatly impact the final taste of the drink.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and honey to suit your taste preferences. You can always add more or less depending on how sweet you like your wine.
- For a stronger kick, add a shot of cognac or armagnac to the mixture before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for a festive touch.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a delicious hot spiced wine is to simmer the mixture gently without boiling it, to allow the flavors to meld together without becoming bitter.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. You can also use ground cinnamon and nutmeg if you don't have whole spices on hand.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as the wine sits, making it even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this hot spiced wine in a large punch bowl with a ladle for guests to help themselves. You can also garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a twist of orange peel.
Pairing Recommendations
This hot spiced wine pairs well with a variety of winter dishes, such as roasted meats, hearty stews, and rich desserts like chocolate cake or apple pie.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover hot spiced wine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this hot spiced wine contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
This recipe is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
There is no significant source of protein in this recipe.
Vitamins and minerals
The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the addition of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
Alergens
This recipe contains sulfites from the red wine, which may be a concern for individuals with sulfite allergies.
Summary
Overall, The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine is a relatively low-calorie beverage that is free of fats and a good source of vitamin C.
Summary
The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine is a comforting and flavorful drink that is perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. With a blend of spices, citrus fruits, and red wine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She had passed it down to me before she left this world, along with a treasure trove of other recipes that she had collected over the years.
The recipe was titled "The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine", and it immediately caught my eye. The name alone was intriguing, and I knew I had to give it a try. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the warm, spicy aroma of the wine simmering on the stove.
I remembered Mrs. Jenkins telling me about the origins of this recipe. She had learned it from an old friend of hers, a man who was known in their town as "The Old Bear" because of his gruff exterior and love for all things warm and comforting. He had shared this recipe with Mrs. Jenkins one chilly winter evening, and she had been making it ever since.
I decided to make the hot spiced wine for a gathering of friends that was coming up. I gathered all the ingredients - a bottle of red wine, some orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of honey. I followed the instructions carefully, allowing the wine to simmer gently on the stove until all the flavors had melded together.
As the wine heated up, the kitchen filled with the most amazing smell. The scent of oranges and spices wafted through the air, making me feel cozy and content. I couldn't wait to share this delicious drink with my friends.
When they arrived, I poured them each a steaming mug of the hot spiced wine. They took a sip and their faces lit up with delight. The wine was warm and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It was the perfect drink for a cold winter night.
My friends begged me for the recipe, and I happily shared it with them. They all agreed that it was a new favorite, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.
Since that day, I have made The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine countless times. It has become a staple at all of my gatherings, and it never fails to impress. I always think of Mrs. Jenkins and The Old Bear when I make it, grateful for the gift of this wonderful recipe.
I like to imagine The Old Bear himself, gruff exterior and all, enjoying a steaming mug of hot spiced wine by the fire on a cold winter night. I can almost see the twinkle in his eye as he takes a sip, the warmth spreading through him like a comforting hug.
This recipe has become more than just a drink to me - it is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to comfort and nourish both body and soul. I am forever grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for passing it down to me, and to The Old Bear for sharing it with her.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little warmth and comfort on a chilly night, I urge you to give The Old Bear's Hot Spiced Wine a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you'll feel the presence of The Old Bear himself, watching over you as you enjoy this delicious drink.