Smoked Bishop Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a festive drink that many people associate with Christmas. It is usually made with red wine, spices, sugar, and sometimes fruits or spirits, and served hot or warm. But where did this tradition come from? How did it become popular in Britain and other parts of the world? And what does it have to do with Charles Dickens and the Victorian era? We will explore the history of mulled wine, from its ancient origins to its modern variations, and show how it reflects the social and cultural changes of different times and places.

The origins of mulled wine can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who heated wine to keep themselves warm in the cold winter. They also added spices and herbs to improve the taste and health benefits of the wine. As the Romans expanded their empire across Europe, they brought their wine and recipes with them. The word “mull” comes from the Old English word “myl”, meaning “to sweeten”.

In the Middle Ages, mulled wine was a common drink in Europe, especially among the upper classes who could afford expensive spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices were believed to have medicinal properties and to prevent diseases. Mulled wine was also used for religious ceremonies and celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. One of the earliest recipes for mulled wine can be found in The Forme of Cury, a medieval English cookbook from 1390.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, mulled wine became more diverse and creative, as different regions and countries developed their own variations. For example, in Sweden, a drink called glögg was invented, which included vodka, raisins, almonds, and cardamom. In Germany, a drink called glühwein was popularized, which added citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons to the wine. In France, a drink called vin chaud was enjoyed, which used honey instead of sugar.

However, it was not until the 19th century that mulled wine became associated with Christmas in Britain. This was largely due to the influence of Charles Dickens, the famous novelist who wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843. This novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve: his former business partner Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these visits, Scrooge learns to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas and becomes a kinder and happier person.

One of the scenes that Dickens describes in A Christmas Carol is when Scrooge’s nephew Fred invites him to join his family for Christmas dinner. Fred says: “A merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you; and I say God bless you!” He then offers Scrooge some mulled wine: “There’s such a goose… there’s such a turkey… there’s such a pudding… there’s such a mince-pie… there’s such a bowl of punch…”

Dickens was very fond of mulled wine himself, and he mentioned it in several of his other works, such as The Pickwick Papers, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He also wrote about another variation of mulled wine called smoking bishop, which used port wine instead of red wine, and added roasted oranges to give it a smoky flavour. Smoking bishop was named after the colour of a bishop’s robe in the Anglican Church.

Dickens’ writings captured the spirit of the Victorian era (1837-1901), when Britain was undergoing rapid industrialization, urbanisation, social reform, and imperial expansion. It was also a time when many traditions and customs related to Christmas were revived or invented, such as carols, cards, trees, crackers, and Santa Claus.

Mulled wine was one of these traditions that became popular again among the British people, who enjoyed it at home or at public events such as markets, fairs, or parties. Mulled wine also symbolized the values of generosity, hospitality, and charity that Dickens promoted in his stories.

Some other spices that can be used in mulled wine are:

• Allspice: Allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of a tropical tree. It has a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavour that resembles a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Allspice can add some depth and complexity to your mulled wine.
• Cardamom: Cardamom is a spice that comes from the seeds of a plant in the ginger family. It has a fragrant, citrusy, and slightly minty flavour that can brighten up your mulled wine. Cardamom is often used in Scandinavian and Indian versions of mulled wine.
• Ginger: Ginger is a spice that comes from the root of a flowering plant. It has a spicy, zesty, and slightly sweet flavour that can add some heat and freshness to your mulled wine. Ginger can also help with digestion and nausea.
• Vanilla: Vanilla is a spice that comes from the pods of an orchid plant. It has a rich, sweet, and floral flavour that can enhance the sweetness and aroma of your mulled wine. Vanilla can also pair well with other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

You can experiment with different combinations and proportions of these spices to find your favourite mulled wine recipe. You can also add some fresh or dried fruits like cranberries, apples, or figs to give your mulled wine some extra flavour and texture.

Mulled wine is a delicious and festive drink that can warm you up on a cold winter day. But did you know that it also has some surprising health benefits? Here are some of the reasons why you should enjoy a glass of mulled wine this season:

• It slows down ageing: Mulled wine is made with red wine, which contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage and slow down the ageing process. Resveratrol may also prevent age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
• It is heart-friendly: red wine, especially when consumed in moderation, can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, which are all risk factors for heart disease. The spices in mulled wine, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, can also improve your blood circulation and reduce blood clots.
• It boosts your immunity: Mulled wine can help you fight off colds and infections, thanks to its rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents. The warmth of the drink can also soothe your throat and clear your sinuses.
• It benefits your bones: Drinking red wine in moderation can increase your bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis, especially in women. The spices in mulled wine can also reduce inflammation and pain in your joints.
• It makes you happy: Mulled wine can lift your mood and reduce stress, as it stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin in your brain. The aroma of the spices can also have a calming and relaxing effect on your senses.

As one can see, mulled wine is not only a tasty treat, but also a healthy one. Of course, you should always drink responsibly and limit your intake to avoid the negative effects of alcohol. But if you are looking for a way to celebrate the season and enjoy some health benefits at the same time, then mulled wine is a great option. Cheers!

Today, mulled wine is still a favourite drink during the festive season in many parts of the world. It has also evolved to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, some people use white wine instead of red wine, or add other ingredients such as apple juice, cranberry juice, brandy, rum, or whiskey. Some people use ready-made mixes like our Smoked Bishop specially designed tea bags that contain all the spices needed for that perfect mulled wine drink.

Mulled wine is more than just a drink. It is a part of history and culture that reflects the changes and continuities of different times and places. It is also a way of celebrating and sharing the joy and warmth of Christmas with family and friends. As Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol: “It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.”