How to Make Mulled Wine Using Masala Chai
Warm up your holiday season with this unique twist on traditional mulled wine - chai tea mulled wine! Made with classic mulled wine ingredients like red wine, orange, and spices, this recipe adds a spicy kick of chai tea by infusing the mixture with chai tea bags. With warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, this chai-infused mulled wine is the perfect cozy drink to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you serve it at a holiday party or enjoy a cup by the fire, this recipe is sure to impress. So, why not try something new this holiday season and treat yourself to a delicious and aromatic glass of chai tea mulled wine?
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a traditional Christmas time drink made with warm red wine, sugar and spices. Drinking spicy wine first originated from the Roman times around 2000 years ago. Over time, the Romans brought mulled wine to Europe. Mulled wine became super popular in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden where it was later called Glögg and in Germany too where it is called Gluhwein. It later became associated with Christmas and now mulled wine is enjoyed all over the world.
Masala chai contains wonderful aromatic spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. Mulling spices are very similar to the spices in masala chai and so it’s quite perfect to use for an easy peasy speedy mulled wine recipe.
How to Make a Mulled Wine Snowball
A mulled wine snowball is just like an affogato. An affogato is an fabulously uncomplicated coffee and ice cream dessert made with a scoop of ice cream and a shot of hot mulled wine served over the top. I like to use vanilla ice cream and top with a homemade cookie. This is such a effortless dessert but really impressive when you friends over.
Masala Chai
Masala chai has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to the health benefits of the warming spices. Chai Tea is also known as Masala Chai. Masala means ‘Spice Blend’ and Chai means ‘Tea’ So in actual fact when we say Chai Tea, we are really saying ‘Tea Tea’. The ingredients in Chai varies over India although almost always contains black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns.
What Wine do you use for Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is traditionally made with red wine. However, you can try it out with any wine that takes your fancy, it’s great to experiment with the flavours!
Do you Drink Mulled Wine Hot, Warm or Cold?
Mulled wine is designed to be enjoyed hot so that the tastes and aromas of the mulled spices can really come through. Mulled wine is the perfect winter warmer. However, with that being said, you can enjoy a glass of iced mulled wine. Simply pour your mulled wine over a large glass of of ice, add slices of citrus and cinnamon sticks. You can even add a shot of vanilla vodka if you fancy a chilled mulled wine cocktail.
How to Make Easy Chai Spiced Mulled Wine at Home
Making this masala chai infused mulled wine is just as simple as making any mulled wine. Firstly, warm the wine, add all of the ingredients. Allow the flavours to infuse before straining out the spices and fruit. Serve warm in cups or mugs :)
INGREDIENTS (Serves 6)
1 Bottle of Red Wine
4 Heaped Teaspoons of Masala Chai (or 4 Tea Bags)
1/2 Cup of Sugar/Honey/Agave
1/2 Cup of Orange Juice
1 Orange, Sliced
1 Vanilla Pod, Cut in Half Lengthwise
METHOD
Pour the wine into a medium saucepan and heat on low.
Add all of the ingredients to the red wine and continue to warm on very low, stirring continuously for around 10 minutes. Careful not to overheat as the alcohol will burn off.
Strain out the leaves, orange slices and vanilla.
Serve in mugs or heatproof glasses with fresh slices of orange.
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