We’re always on the lookout for new ideas for special and personal Christmas gifts, and these beautiful sachets of mulled wine spices are just that. Whether for friends or family, teachers or colleagues, giving these lovely homemade treats is the perfect way of spreading the festive cheer!
Filled with traditional aromatic spices like all spice, cloves and cinnamon, these sachets infuse red wine with the taste and smell of Christmas, for a wonderful, festive drink that is enjoyed warm with friends!
Mulled wine sachets make the perfect Christmas gift on their own, or you can pair them with a lovely bottle of wine (see the tips below for the best wine to choose for mulling). You could even create an extra-special gift hamper, with the sachet, a bottle of red wine, an orange, and a miniature bottle of brandy to add an extra special twist!
What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a drink made from red wine which is lightly sweetened and infused with a blend of mulling spices. Its origins date back to Roman times, and many versions exist all around the world. This fragrant beverage is traditionally enjoyed in winter, especially at Christmas, and is often served at Christmas markets in Europe.
Items Needed
- 6” x 6” (or approx. 15cm x 15cm) square of muslin / cheesecloth (one or two per sachet)
- Cooking twine (kitchen string)
- Instructions label (see below)
Ingredients for One Sachet
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon quill
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp all spice
- 1 piece stem ginger
- 2 tsp dried mixed peel
- 2 tbsp raw sugar
- 4 cardamom pods
Optional Garnishes
- Orange slice (can use dried orange)
- Extra cinnamon quill
- Extra star anise
Method — Sachet
1. Cut out your muslin or cheesecloth into a 6” x 6” (15 cm x 15cm) square. If it has a loose weave, use two pieces of cloth to create a double layer.
2. Measure out your ingredients and place all except the cinnamon quill and star anise in the centre of the cloth. We will use these as decoration on the outside of the sachet. However, if you prefer to include them on the inside, that’s fine — just crumble the cinnamon down to make it small enough to fit.
3. Gather the edges of the cloth together and tie the sachet with kitchen string. Be sure to attach your cinnamon quill and star anise to the sachet too. You can also add the instructions label, or give this separately so no one accidentally leaves it attached during cooking.
4. Gift your beautiful mulled wine sachets to teachers, colleagues, friends and family for Christmas!
Printable Instructions Label
You can make a beautiful hand-written instructions label for your sachets, or you can use this free printable that we’ve created for you! Click here for the printable labels.
Method — Cooking
1. Place the mulled wine sachet in a saucepan with a bottle of red wine.
2. Add some slices of orange if you wish (optional).
3. Use a low heat to warm the wine gently until fragrant and hot. This will take around 15 minutes. Be sure not to boil the wine.
4. Serve the wine while hot in thick glasses or mugs. You can add an extra cinnamon quill, star anise and slice of orange for garnish if you wish.
Tips for the Best Mulled Wine
1. Choose a good, affordable wine.
Unless you want to add the bottle of wine as part of a fancy gift, there’s no need to buy an overly expensive bottle, as the spices will mask the subtle flavours of the wine. Instead, choose something affordable. Good options include a Zinfandel, Merlot, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. For professional tips, check out the 10 Best Wines for Mulling According to Sommeliers.
2. Never over-heat the wine.
For warming your mulled wine, do it slowly and be sure not to let it boil as you will evaporate off all of the alcohol.
3. Use whole spices.
Avoid using ground spices and powders as these may seep out of the muslin cloth and make your mulled wine cloudy.
4. Don’t forget yourself!
Be sure to make a sachet for yourself too and enjoy this traditional, festive drink during your Christmas celebrations. Cheers!
No Comments