Wine With Spice: All Things Nice!
Mulled wine, a sweetened red wine with added spices, served hot, has a long tradition. In fact, it is said to date back to 20 AD when the Romans started to add honey and spices to their wine. As the temperature drops, it’s a favourite consumed during the holiday season. Nothing like fending off the cold with a steaming, hot mug of this winter warmer. While shopping or socializing, this beverage, with a bit of a kick, is associated with good health, warmth and happiness. Christmas markets, so prevalent across northern Europe and the UK, are now catching on in North America. We have the Christkindl Market in Kitchener, as close as it gets to the real thing without having to travel to Germany. And then there’s the Toronto Distillery District Winter Village. Two entertaining destinations with a variety of offerings of food, beverage and gifting items. Check out the internet to see where there may be such activities close to home. And how about the ugly sweater craze that has captured the attention of the human race. What better combination than to offer a mulled wine, pre-mixed and bottled, with an unforgettable ugly sweater wrap motif. It’s conveniently available for purchase throughout the LCBO retail store system. Bring a few bottles home, heat to the desired temperature and take the occasion to get cozy and enjoy. Aromas of nutmeg, clove and orange peel gently waft from the cup. The taste of gingerbread is beautifully integrated with red wine flavours. Rich, with a gentle, restrained sweetness, the finish is all about Christmas spices. Visiting friends and relatives over the holidays? It makes for a great host or hostess gift, too.