In the winter months, there’s nothing nicer than wrapping your hands around a warm drink.

But when it comes to enjoying a little more ‘enticing’ than Milo there aren’t many options.

Enter mulled wine – the wine lovers’ hot drink of choice or the adult version of a hot chocolate.

I know what you’re thinking, warm wine is blasmephy!

Not when it’s made with sugar and spice and everything nice – especially premium quality grapes.

This quintessential winter drink is everything you didn’t realise you needed and wanted by your side during this cold weather.

Hot tip: most of the ingredients are likely in your pantry.

All it takes is 5 simple steps to make mulled wine and satisfy those wintry wine cravings.

Choosing the right partner in wine

This European concoction is traditionally made with a dry red wine this is because a strong fruity character tends to lend itself better than other wine varieties. 

Which is why we recommend using Omrah ‘Crossing’ Shiraz.

Its gentle tannin profile and fruity blackcurrant notes make it an ideal base for this wintry beverage.

But what if I want to use white wine instead? We don’t discriminate.

For those white wine enthusiasts, we suggest using a crisp, unoaked option such as Omrah ‘Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc.

This blend’s clean finish and lingering citrus and river pebble minerality make it a perfect selection for those seeking an unconventional but neither-the-less tasty mulled-wine recipe.

How to spice up your mulled-wine

Selecting and finding the right balance of spices, herbs and fruit is key to creating the perfect flavour.

Cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and orange peel are all amongst the favourite mulling spices.

However, to create a richer body we suggest incorporating some nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, peppercorn, lavender, and potentially some basil too.

As for fruit, adding some dried figs, lemons and tangerines can complement these spices and herbs by creating a warm, fruity note.

You may even like to add a few more ingredients to this to make it truly your own.

Finding the right level of sweetness

A white sugar base can lighten up the heavy flavours created by the wine and spices.

It’s best to use caster sugar or granulated sugar due to its finer texture – making it easy to stir in and dissolve.

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you can ramp up the sweetness a notch by adding in some honey or maple syrup to taste.

Now that you know all our secrets to making a delicious cup of mulled-wine you can now give it a go by following this quick and simple recipe.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, feel free to add in a few more of your favourite ingredients to make it that much more special.

Omrah’s mulled-wine recipe:

Serves 6 people

• 1 bottle of Omrah ‘Crossing’ Shiraz
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 2 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 4 black peppercorns
• 4 whole cloves
• 6 allspice berries
• 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
• 3 dried figs
• ½ cup caster sugar, or to taste

1.   Place all ingredients into a large saucepan and set on a medium heat.

2.   Add a small portion of wine to the mixture to cover the sugar and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is dissolved.

3.   When the mixture has become sticky enough, add the rest of the wine in and turn the heat to low. It’s important to ensure the wine doesn’t boil otherwise all the alcohol will evaporate – the best part!

4.   Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.

5.   Strain and divide the mixture amongst glasses – and voilà your new favourite wintry drink is ready to enjoy!

By Great Southern local Prue Dempster