Cinnamon sticks are often used to decorate mulled wine.
Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink in many European cultures. While there are many regional recipes and variations, it generally consists of wine mixed with spices and served hot. Originally, making mulled wine was a way to prolong the life of a wine that had passed its prime, but the drink came to be associated with winter holidays and parties, especially Christmas.
Mulled wine is usually flavored with nutmeg.
One of the best known varieties of mulled wine, served in many Scandinavian countries, is glogg. As with spiced wines in general, glogg has many variants. Premixed versions are available, ready to heat and serve, but many revelers prefer to mix their own.
Most countries make mulled wine from red wine, but some, like Romania, may use white wine as well. Mulled wine is rarely made with expensive wine, as the spices could overwhelm its flavor. A rustic fruity red is considered the best option. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamom, and nutmeg are a great traditional flavor.
Cloves are commonly used to flavor mulled wine.
Stronger spirits are sometimes added to mulled wine. Alternatively, adding a juice such as orange can make the drink more of a punch flavor. Tea, sugar, water, and honey are other popular but optional ingredients. Garnishes can include sliced fruit, especially lemons and oranges, cinnamon sticks, and candy canes. Basically, the cook has many options and can create his own unique recipe.
Cardamom is often added to mulled wine.
Mulled wine should be heated before serving, but if it boils, the alcohol will burn. Sometimes this is done deliberately to produce a non-alcoholic version, but more often the mulled wine is only heated to between 140 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit (60 and 70 degrees Celsius). A non-alcoholic version of glogg can also be made by replacing the wine with fruit juice.