Mulled Claret

Name: Mulled Claret (Spiced Wine)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lump lump sugar; 1/2 Juice of a Lemon; 1 dash Bitters; 1 tsp Mixed Cinnamon and Nutmeg; 5 oz Claret

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Mulled Claret is a classic warm spiced red wine drink combining claret with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, sugar, and bitters. Its aromatic spice blend and citrus brightness make it an ideal cold-weather sipper.

🏷️Equipment: metal mug

Total

5 min

Servings

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide 50th Anniversary Edition

Ingredients

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5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Put ingredients into a metal mug.
2
Heat poker red hot and hold in liquid until boiling and serve; or warm on a stove.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Warm the wine gently over low heat—do not boil, as high heat will burn off alcohol and flatten flavor.
Dissolve sugar completely before adding other ingredients to ensure balanced sweetness.
Fresh lemon juice is essential; bottled juice will lack brightness and body.
Strain or leave spice solids in the glass depending on preference—they continue to infuse as it cools.

Substitutions

Claret → other dry red wine (Burgundy, Spanish Tempranillo)
Cinnamon and Nutmeg → allspice or whole cloves (use 1/4 tsp, adjust to taste)
Lump sugar → white sugar or honey (honey adds subtle complexity)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat without boiling.

Common Questions

Should mulled claret be served hot or cold?

Mulled Claret is traditionally served warm, allowing the spices to infuse fully and the flavors to meld together.

Can I make mulled claret ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and gently reheat before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What type of claret works best?

Use a medium-bodied, slightly dry red wine. Bordeaux-style wines are traditional, but any decent claret-type red wine will work.

Can I batch this recipe?

Yes, scale all ingredients proportionally. A standard bottle (25 oz) makes about 5 servings and is easy to batch.

What can I substitute for bitters?

Omit bitters or use a dash of Angostura if you prefer; it adds complexity but is optional.

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