Mulled wine: health benefits and harms

One of the most popular home-made drinks is mulled wine. The low content of ethyl alcohol does not cause severe intoxication, but only a feeling of warmth and comfort. Light alcoholic drinks allow you to warm up on a long winter evening, sit by the fireplace, relax and have a hearty conversation with friends and family.

What is mulled wine

Mulled wine - a drink made from red or white wine, spices and fruits. A mandatory additive is sugar (or honey). Beer and ale can also be the basis. Some recipes add brandy, a variety of liquors or rum, but only in small quantities, to add flavor.

Alcoholic additives should not change the taste of mulled wine and turn it into diluted rum or cognac, but only add additional notes to the overall bouquet. Mulled wine is prepared by heating wine to a temperature of 75–80 degrees, but never brought to a boil. The ingredients are added at the initial stage of manufacture, some spices are placed in the finished product. There are many recipes for making mulled wine, the drink can be non-alcoholic, when juices serve as the basis. It is prepared without adding water, and with water, they drink it hot. Dried fruits, fresh and frozen berries and nuts are sometimes added.

What is the difference between punch and grog from mulled wine

Punch and grog differ from mulled wine in composition and preparation methods. What unites them is that these drinks also undergo heat treatment and are drunk hot.

Punch is the collective name for a large group of hot cocktails that add fruit juices or pieces of fresh fruit. Punch is based on rum, but there are also non-alcoholic recipes. India is considered the birthplace of the drink, and in Western Europe hot cocktails were prepared in the XIV century. They included five ingredients.

The base was rum, which was diluted with water and heated. Then added spices, fruit juice and honey. The cocktail contained 5 components, whence its name comes from - “punch”. The word has roots in Hindi and comes from the word “punch”, which translates as “five”. In English, “punch” has become a “punch”. There are currently dozens of punch recipes. The drink is served in wide and deep bowls. In Russia, this drink gained popularity in the XVIII century. The fire punch was called the "drink of joy."

Grog is also drunk hot. It is made by diluting strong rum with water or weak tea. Sugar is added to improve the taste. A grog is made without rum. In this embodiment, vodka is mixed with sweet water.

According to modern recipes, grog is made with aromatic and flavoring additives. In the water put cloves, ginger, other spices, sugar, sometimes lemon. The syrup is brought to a boil and only after that the right amount of rum is poured.

Composition and calorie content

As mentioned above, the composition of the classic mulled wine includes wine, spices (spices), fresh fruits, sugar, water. The composition of the drink, prepared according to modern recipes, can be traditional or expanded when many components are used. All ingredients are easy to buy at the supermarket and specialty stores.

The composition of the finished mulled wine includes organic acids, ethyl alcohol, vitamins, trace elements that are in wine, fruits and spices.When cooking, boiling and languishing are not used, so most of the nutrients are preserved.

Calorie content and energy value of the product depend on the composition of the ingredients. On average, 100 ml of mulled wine contains 90–96 kcal (according to other sources - from 130 to 135 kcal). The average energy value is 395 kJ.

In a portion of 100 ml contains:

• 1.1-1.5 g of protein;
• 0.9-1.2 g of fat;
• 12-14 g of carbohydrates.

The carbohydrate content depends on the amount of sugar or honey and can significantly exceed the average.

Why mulled wine is useful

General benefit

The drink contains many useful and nutritious substances, its components have healing properties. Not only ordinary people, but also doctors do not deny the healing effects of wines, lemon and spices. Drink:

• It has a relaxing effect, warms and soothes;
• helps to recover from infectious diseases;
• has a bactericidal and antiseptic effect;
• restores immunity;
• improves appetite;
• helps to recover after heavy physical and psychological stress;
• useful for the prevention of colds;
• improves blood circulation;
• useful for low blood pressure, insomnia, vitamin deficiency;
• removes "bad" cholesterol;
• activates "sluggish" digestion;
• Helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessels
• contains antioxidants;
• improves kidney function;
• promotes the production of enzymes;
• useful for bouts of causeless anguish and despondency;
• improves mood.

There is a lot of resveratrol in red wines. Traditional healers believe that this substance prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Wines made from Spanish Tempranillo grapes (Tempranillo) well lower cholesterol. They can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol by 10-12%.

Mulled wine contains tannins - tannins. These are substances of the phenolic group that have an astringent effect. They contribute to the removal of toxic substances, improve the absorption of vitamin C, have hemostatic properties, reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and relieve itching.

Polyphenols are antioxidants. These organic substances inhibits the formation of free radicals. The effect of polyphenol is associated with a decrease in temperature, an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of aspirin.

For women

The desire to “cheat time" and appear younger than her years is natural for women. Flavonoids and antioxidants contained in wine and fruits can slow down the aging process, make the skin supple, healthy, smooth and supple. Update processes are launched not only by drinking mulled wine, but also by the external use of this product. The liquid is applied with a sponge, massage the skin, rubbing mulled wine, leave for 10-12 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Women more often than men are upset because of trifles, moping and depressed. Mulled wine helps relieve stress, forget about the negative aspects of the past day and calm down. If you drink the drink sparingly, it will be invaluable in stabilizing your mood.

For men

Traditional healers and official medicine have no special recommendations for men to use mulled wine. This drink is useful not only for general diseases, but also for male ailments as an anti-inflammatory and bactericidal agent.

But still, the drink is not a cure. If medications are prescribed, it is better to consult a doctor whether it is worth drinking alcohol at this time.

During pregnancy

The opinion of doctors is clear - alcohol should not be drunk during pregnancy. Ethyl alcohol quickly spreads throughout the body, easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetus. Alcohol has a destructive effect on the brain of a child.

As a result of regular drinking, children are born with idiocy and other pathologies of mental development, insufficient weight, and physical abnormalities. The connection between pathologies and alcohol was described by doctors of ancient Rome.In 18th century England, an “epidemic of gin use” was described, which resulted in the birth of many children with mental retardation and physical disabilities.

At present, an exact relationship has been established between a woman's drunkenness and sick offspring. A future mother should overcome the desire to drink a glass of mulled wine, it is better to distract herself and quench her thirst with a soft drink.

When breastfeeding

Children's doctors do not recommend nursing mothers to consume even mild alcoholic beverages, which include mulled wine. A safe dose of wine consumption does not exist. One can only be surprised at how calm babies alcoholics are, they almost always sleep. This is because ethyl alcohol passes into breast milk and acts as a sleeping pill.

As a result, the baby's daily rhythms of sleep and wakefulness are disturbed, and alcohol does not contribute to the mental and physical development of the child. Therefore, the preparation and tasting of the drink will have to be postponed until the end of breastfeeding. Mulled wine also contains spices that can change the taste of milk, as a result, the child can abandon the breast ahead of time.

For children

Alcoholic mulled wine is not given to children. An alternative is a drink made without wine. There are dozens of recipes for "child" mulled wine. They are prepared on light and red grape juice.

The taste creates a combination of juice, fruit and a moderate amount of seasoning. If the drink does not contain odorous spices, it can be drunk not only for the child, but also for the nursing mother and the pregnant woman.

When losing weight

Mulled wine, like other alcoholic beverages, causes appetite, which is absolutely not necessary for people on a diet for weight loss. Under the influence of alcohol, self-control is reduced and the risk of "breaking loose" increases. If the losing weight still drank a glass or two, it is recommended to “burn” calorie deprivation using physical activity. For example, go to the sports ground, to the pool, take a walk instead of going in a car or bus.

But strict diets completely exclude foreign products, so you will have to abandon mulled wine. The drink contains not only high-calorie ethyl alcohol, but also sugar. This carbohydrate is a good energy drink, but it is not needed during the diet. Ethyl alcohol also prevents the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, which violates the natural metabolism.

Can I drink mulled wine with gastritis

Gastritis is a disease in which the mucous membrane of the stomach becomes inflamed. Mulled wine, like other spirits, irritates tissues and leads to even more inflammation and cramping pains. Some fruits — lemons, apples, tangerines, oranges, and many spices — are irritating. Therefore, with acute gastritis, you can not include this drink on the menu.

If a person is diagnosed with chronic gastritis, mulled wine can be consumed during the period of remission, when the mucous membranes are not irritated by spicy, acidic foods and alcohol. You should choose cocktails of the smallest strength and drink only small portions.

Is mulled wine good for colds?

Cocktails with a low alcohol content cannot prevent colds, and alcohol does not affect viruses. But during illness, moderate drinking helps “sweat” under the covers, relax and rest. Lemons and oranges, spices that are part of the cocktail contain trace elements and vitamins that are useful for enhancing immunity.

With a cold, mulled wine is good to drink in the evening, before bedtime. Mulled wine will alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve sleep. It is also helpful to inhale wine vapors.

Harm and contraindications

With moderate, periodic use, mulled wine is not harmful, but a large amount of drunk is the cause of high blood pressure, facial redness and headache. Mulled wine should not be drunk with diabetes, as the wine contains sugar. A drink becomes dangerous if a person suffers from an insulin-dependent form of the disease.They can go into the active phase of the disease of the gastrointestinal tract and GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The drink is not recommended for prone to heartburn, as spices can cause intestinal irritation in healthy people. It should be excluded with individual intolerance to fruits and certain spices and wines. Allergies can be suspected with a rash, nausea, swelling, and general malaise.

How to store mulled wine

Mulled wine is served hot; shelf life limits the temperature of the product. Only a good thermos will help to save the drink (but not more than two hours). The ingredients of the cocktail are steamed during this time, and the drink thickens. With longer storage, the wine will “suffocate”, taste will change, the original aroma will disappear.

Cooled mulled wine is not stored, since this product is used only in hot form, when chilled, the original taste will be lost. The drink can be stored in a thermos, but also no more than a couple of hours.

If you plan to store mulled wine in a thermos for more than an hour, lemon is extracted from it. The zest will give off bitterness, because of which the drink will acquire an undesirable aftertaste.

What kind of wine do you need to make mulled wine?

Wine for a drink is selected based on the preferences of the owners of the house and guests. But there is no guarantee that using an unfamiliar product will give a better result. The principle "the more expensive the wine, the better the mulled wine" does not always work. Therefore, lovers of this exquisite drink adhere to their own experience gained in practice.

Dry wine is good for preparing a drink, it is a traditional component of the mixture. Dry wines are made without dyes, flavors, preservatives or other “improving” impurities. Manufacturing technology does not include the introduction of foreign substances. These wines have no pungent smell, cloying taste, they are refreshing and easily perceived by the stomach. In dry wines, the sugar content does not exceed 3 g per 100 ml. This fact allows you to add sugar to mulled wine and make the drink sweet.

Semi-dry wine differs from dry wine only in high sugar content (from 3 to 12 g per 100 ml of product). They are also prepared without additives, sweeteners or preservatives. They are not too sweet, which allows you to cook mulled wine with sugar or honey.

Semi-sweet wines can give unpredictable effects, especially cheap varieties. Winemakers often change the classic recipe and introduce natural and artificial additives. The wines are acidified with citric acid, add flavorings, increase strength, tint with food pigments. The result is a product that is not suitable for the manufacture of mulled wine, since additives behave unpredictably when heated. In addition, semisweet wines have a fairly high ethyl alcohol content (18–22 degrees).

Connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages are advised to take only young semi-dry and dry wine. The strength of the drink should be not less than 7, but not more than 13 revolving percent (degrees). It is better to choose the product of a proven, well-known winery.

The basis of the composition of mulled wine can be both white and red wine. In classic recipes, mulled wine is made only from red wines.

White wines do not heat up to a temperature of more than 50 degrees, since their taste with strong heating will change for the worse. Red wines withstand heat up to 90 degrees.

A good basis for mulled wine will be Cabernet, Vranaz, Dolcetto, Gamza and other wines of average cost, from semisweet options - Khvanchkaru, Cahors or Kinzamara. But Sangria is not all drinkers consider a good choice. Nevertheless, there are complex recipes that include this popular product.

What spices are needed to make mulled wine

Spices are selected based on tastes and preferences. There is always room for experimentation and culinary imagination. The choice is limited by the presence or absence of a specific spice on sale. This sometimes leads to abandon complex recipes. The correct selection and combination of seasonings is the key to obtaining a unique, fragrant and tasty product.

Cinnamon and clove seeds are definitely added to mulled wine. The remaining seasonings are put selectively, depending on the recipe. The general list of spices includes:

• cloves;
• cinnamon;
• ginger;
• anise;
• mint leaf;
• cardamom;
• pepper;
• Bay leaf;
• saffron;
• Melissa;
• lemon zest;
• nutmeg;
• star anise;
• coriander;
• barberry and others.

1. Clove gives off the aroma gradually, the intensity of the smell depends on the temperature of the liquid. The hotter the drink, the more cloves open. This spice is suitable for both white and red wines.
2. Cinnamon is also a classic ingredient. Experienced chefs are advised to take sticks, not powder. The ground product does not have such an intense smell and less saturated taste.
3. Nutmeg brings tart, spicy notes. From this spice in the wine there is a slight burning sensation. Nutmegs are put in wine in the initial stage of cooking, in the form of crushed pieces or powder.
4. Anise goes well with the aroma of cardamom and cloves. It is used in many recipes, but the smell makes the drink peculiar. Spice is put in wine at the end of the cooking process.
5. Pepper gives pungency and aroma, creates spicy accents. Use black, red, allspice, Jamaican and other types of peppers, "peas" and ground product.
6. Ginger gives a piquant shade and dominates the bouquet of aromas, if the other spices do not emit harsh odors.
7. Star anise has a more delicate aroma than its related anise. It is placed in a pan at the beginning of cooking, before heating.
8. Saffron is best added if the amount of ingredients is small. This spice has a self-contained, well-recognizable flavor.
9. Cardamom can also be attributed to the traditional spices for mulled wine. Spice is combined with ginger, saffron, star anise.
10. Bay leaf is used infrequently. It is added after removing the pan from the heat. This seasoning is more suitable for soups than for wine. But some recipes also contain this ingredient.
11. Peppermint is suitable for white wine, but its bright, recognizable smell makes it difficult to pick up compatible spices. But there are recipes in which a mint leaf is introduced.

In stores you can buy sets of spices for making mulled wine. They are a mixture of spices and are intended for a specific recipe. The ingredients are crushed to a powder state, which does not affect the final quality too well.

How to cook mulled wine: recipes

There are dozens of recipes for making mulled wine. Among them are traditional and new, simple and complex. Drinks differ in the number of components, heating temperature, type of fruit additives. Although the basis of the drink is diluted wine, there are many non-alcoholic recipes.

Non-alcoholic

Non-alcoholic mulled wine is made on the finished grape juice. You need to buy juice, not nectar or a fruit drink. For a classic non-alcoholic recipe you need:

• 2 liters of grape juice (red);
• a small piece of ginger with a volume of 2-3 cm³;
• medium-sized lemon;
• 1 stick of cinnamon;
• a pinch of ground nutmeg;
• 2-3 star anise stars.

You will also need a pot with a capacity of 2.5 liters, ladle, spoon, knife. Suitable dishes with non-stick coating, ceramic or enameled container. A steel, cast-iron and aluminum pan is not suitable, since the juice will react with metals and the taste of grape juice will change.Preparation includes the following steps:

1. Juice is poured into the pan and the stove is turned on, the liquid is heated to the first bubbles and removed from the heat, avoiding boiling. In this recipe, the temperature should not exceed 80 degrees.
2. Lemon is cut in half rings or slices along with the peel, the bones are removed.
3. Put spices in a pan and add lemon.
4. The liquid is stirred, covered with a lid, left for 30 minutes.

When it comes time to pour the mulled wine, the drink remains hot (about 70 degrees Celsius). Therefore, they take dishes from materials that do not conduct heat well. The drink is served in thick-walled glass mugs, glasses. Ceramic mugs with a handle will do. Mulled wine is poured with a ladle.

Alcoholic

Alcoholic mulled wine is also prepared in ceramic, enameled or teflon dishes. The chef will need:

• 2 bottles of dry red wine of 0.75 l;
• 2 small oranges;
• 2 cinnamon sticks;
• a teaspoon of ginger powder;
• 5 pieces of clove;
• half a spoon of chopped nutmeg;
• 3 grains of cardamom;
• 2 anise stars
• 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

In this recipe, one ground ingredient is nutmeg. Instead of powder, you can take whole crushed nuts. Preparation includes the following steps:

1. In a small saucepan with non-stick coating, pour all the spices and pour cool water (100-150 ml).
2. Put the container on the stove, heat it, let it boil a little and leave it to cool for 10 minutes.
3. The liquid is filtered through a sieve and poured into a pan with a capacity of at least 2 liters.
4. Wine is poured there, sugar is added, the ingredients are mixed.
5. Oranges cut into circles, also put in a pan. You can just squeeze the juice and add it.
6. Turn on the stove to medium mode, heat the liquid until bubbles form, but not to a boil.
7. Remove the pan from the stove, hold the product under a closed lid for several minutes.
8. Poured into mugs and served on the table.

In a slow cooker

A slow cooker allows you to cook dozens of dishes, and mulled wine is no exception. This household appliance provides uniform heating and allows you to keep the finished product warm for a given time. To make a drink according to this recipe, take:

• 1 bottle (0.75 L) of dry white wine;
• 15 clove seeds;
• 2-3 star anise stars;
• 7 almond nucleoli;
• 2 pieces of ginger root (dried) with a volume of 2-3 cm³;
• 1 stick of cinnamon;
• medium-sized orange;
• a handful of raisins;
• half-glasses of cognac;
• 2 tbsp (without top) sugar.

Mulled wine is prepared in the following order:

1. The slow cooker is turned on, the wine is poured into the pan of the appliance, and the “Heating” mode is set.
2. All spices are put there. Almonds are pre-crushed.
3. Hermetically close the lid, warm the wine for 10 minutes.
4. Oranges are cut in half, juice is squeezed out of one half directly into the pan, the second part is crushed and put into wine.
5. Close the lid and let the liquid warm up for another 20 minutes.
6. After that, the multicooker is turned off and the drink is kept in a sealed container for half an hour.
7. Mulled wine is ready. The drink is poured into portioned dishes and served on the table.

How and with what they drink mulled wine

Mulled wine is a self-sufficient drink. It is often served after a meal, when all guests have satisfied their hunger. Drink slowly, enjoying the aroma, in small sips. You do not need to do this quickly, as the drink is hot.

But there are no general rules, so some home cooks serve mulled wine for meat, fish and poultry dishes, as well as combine with desserts. In European countries, there are different traditions on the use of this drink.

1. In Germany, at festive bazaars and festivals, snack on cakes, pies, chocolates and chocolates.
2. Swedes consume this wine product with smoked fish, make a variety of canapes with spicy cheese.
3. In Holland they use it with buns, buns, buns, donuts.
4. In Russia, the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine combine with any products. It can be sausages, fried chicken legs, baked meat, peanuts and other nuts, pancakes with meat filling, unsweetened buns.
5. The Austrians serve pastry, pasties.

Can I drink cold
When cooling, the product loses its taste. Instead of an exquisite delicacy, a sour, tasteless wine is obtained. Cooled drink, of course, you can drink, but it is unlikely to give pleasure. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare a drink according to the number of participants in the feast and as much as they can drink.

Interesting Facts

1. Drinks similar to mulled wine were made in ancient Rome. The wine was mixed with then known spices, but not heated. The custom of heating wine appeared 9-10 centuries in the countries of northern and central Europe. It is known that a popular basis for mulled wine was a burgundy, to which the alpine grass galangal (aka galangal) was added.
2. The Russian name "mulled wine" has German roots. In this language, it sounds like “glhender Wein” (“Gluender Wayne”) - “hot, flaming wine.” Perhaps such a name came to the Slavic countries through Poland, since there the drink is referred to as “glintwajn”.
3. This wine product is also popular in France, where it is called “vin chaud”, which also translates as “hot wine”.
4. According to German standards, the alcohol content in mulled wine, which is sold at fairs and food establishments, should be at least 7 percent.
5. As the basis of the drink, it is better to choose high-quality Georgian, Russian or Moldavian wine or mid-priced products made in the USA, Greece and other countries. Vintage, high-quality wines have an exquisite taste, a special "signature" aroma. Heating and additives will change their quality for the worse.

Mulled wine photo