The only thing better than meeting Mark Sexauer on a recent gloomy and chilling evening was to sample his mulled wine. It banished memories of of sickly sweet, unbalanced, and nearly unpalatable versions I’ve had the displeasure of sampling in the past. He was kind enough to share his easy mulled wine recipe, and answer a few of my questions which will make it simple for the most nervous of home cocktail creators. Check it out on Foodista.
You can find many more cocktail recipes in his book, Aphrodisiacs With a Twist. One question I had for him that did not make the cut for my Foodista post concerned how mulled wine is an aphrodisiac. Mark’s response? He has this easy mulled wine recipe under the cinnamon section of his book; this spice is “…thought of to produce ‘heat’ within the body which increases physical and sexual appetite.” Raise your appetite with this twist on his classic recipe.
Variation: Mexican Spiced Mulled Wine (Recipe Courtesy Mark Sexauer)
You can spin the base recipe, like any recipe, a number of ways. One fun way is make a Mexican Spiced Wine substituting some of the ingredients with others for a different flavor profile. For example I used tequila instead of brandy as the fortifier. Agave instead of brown sugar, mostly, and adding spices like cumin. The flavor profile is not extremely different then the above recipe [Note: Head to Foodista for this recipe. –Jameson] but it shows that if you get creative you can come up with your own unique spiced wine to fit any purpose, theme, or meal.
Mexican Spiced Wine
1 bottle Malbec (a big one with spiciness)
½ cup amber agave syrup
¼ cup brown sugar
1/4 cup reposado tequila
Zest and juice of one orange
Zest and juice of one lemon
Zest and juice of two medium limes
4 whole cloves
8 whole peppercorns
8 whole allspice
¼ teaspoon whole cumin
2 small cinnamon sticks
1 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Follow the same preparation as the mulled wine recipe.
I love mulled wine, I must give this one a go! I have a mulled wine in the pipeline as well, if I ever get around to posting it that is! Busy end of the year rush! Best wishes!
Regula,
It’s a fun twist, no? Best wishes wrapping up 2013 and for a lovely 2014!
Cheers,
Jameson
What a unique recipe! It didn’t beat the traditional wine, though Josh insisted on bringing the leftovers home!
Kimberly,
So glad you made the mulled wine and, even though it didn’t beat the traditional, I take solace in the fact that Josh made sure you got the leftovers.
Best,
Jameson
[…] And if Mike’s mulled wine puts you in the mood to craft your own concoction, might I suggest a spin on the classic with tequila, agave syrup, and cumin? Recipe on my blog. […]
This mulled wine sounds amazing! I would never think to add tequila to it! Love this!
Anna,
Mark’s a great bartender and drink creator.
Best,
Jameson
I love the Mexican twist on this! I was making mulled wine and someone suggested rose to me, which I thought was weird. Haven’t tried it yet, but I might before it gets too chilly…
Ashley,
When it has interesting, unique flavors mulled wine can be very memorable. Hope you get to try it.
Best,
Jameson
Jameson,
I first had mulled wine at various Scandinavian Christmas bazaars around the Washington DC area, but I became a fan while stationed in Germany visiting all the Christmas markets. Something about walking around in the center of town with a hot mug in my mittened hand cemented mulled wine as a winter tradition for me.
I like your twists on this classic–I use peppercorns in soup stock all the time, but in mulled wine? Intriguing!
Thanks!
Kirsten,
Wandering around German Christmas markets with a mug of mulled wine sounds great. Big thanks to Mark Sexauer for letting me use his recipe.
Best,
Jameson
Wow – What a great combination of flavors you’ve got going on this recipe! Sounds delicious!
Thanks, Martha. All credit goes to Mark! His book is really cool.
I first tried mulled wine on a trip to Germany. This Mexican twist sounds tempting!! Always happy to try a new wine. 🙂
Mischa, that is so interesting as you’re the second person to mention their first experience with mulled wine was in Germany.
Oh My God. Could this recipe get any better? Malbec AND tequila? This would be my drink of choice in heaven. I’m a huge fan of tequila, definitely trying soon!
Lauren,
Ha! Love your enthusiasm. Can’t wait for you to try it.
Best,
Jameson