We have an annual tradition to provide mulled wine and hot tea at sunset during Semana Santa – “Holy/Easter week” – for our guests and volunteers. During this time of year the nights are chilly and mulled wine and cinnamon tea are nice warm beverages to comfort all as we enjoy the sunset at Cute Hill.
Mulled Wine ala Marie
Please don’t use a nice red wine for this recipe. Mulled wine is a perfect excuse to use crappy dry reds – you’ll mask the flavor beautifully by adding the right spices and sweetners. It is a Scandinavian tradition around Christmas time to make mulled wine.
Ingredients
- 1.5 liters dry red wine
- 6 inch cinnamon stick, or 2 T ground cinnamon.
- 2 or 3 cloves
- 1/2 cup brandy
- zest of 1/2 orange
- juice of 1 orange
- honey, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), or sugar – to taste
- water, to taste
- optional: vanilla (liquid or pods) and a pinch of ground nutmeg
Directions
- Combine all ingredients, minus water, into a large pot. Heat gently until hot. Don’t boil.
- Keep on low heat, stirring frequently, and avoiding bringing it to a simmer, for 20 minutes.
- Taste and add more sweetener if necessary, and a bit of water if it is too strong.
- Serve warm.
Cinnamon tea
It is always important to provide alternatives to alcoholic beverages! This tea is lovely, please enjoy no matter the time of year.
Ingredients
- 2 liters water
- 10 inch cinnamon stick
- 1 small handful hibiscus flowers
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- honey – to taste
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve, accompanied with more honey or sugar for people to add as wanted.
This year at Cute Hill:
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