Mulled wine and Christmas punch.

Now both of these recipes are very similar and one more popular than the other. All no doubt have had some mulled wine but I think this Christmas punch is one to think about especially if you make it according to the recipe .  I can see it being a bit of a spectacle. 

As the Christmas punch we will get back to that, first the mulled wine,

You will need.

1 bottle of red wine

75g/ 30z soft light brown sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

1 lemon sliced

4 whole cloves

150ml/¼ pint of brandy or port

Now what you have to do with this is simply warm the wine with the spices in a pan.  You want to get it up to boiling point then turn it off. 

Add the sugar and stir it until it has all dissolved.

Now strain the wine and throw away the spices and add the lemon slices and then the port or brandy and serve warm.  

What you are looking for is spiced infused wine and a kick from the spirit . If yoy leave the spices in the wine and just let it warming on the stove it just gets stronger and stronger and that is not really what you are looking for.

Now this next recipe is according to the book I have got it from is English Christmas Punch and was very popular in the Victorian times.  Now originally this recipe had a lot more sugar than the one I have written down here so it you like it sweeter then you can add some more as you go along .  Also this is not a punch that you make and stick in the corner this si for show as you will see at I get to the end.

For English Christmas Punch you will need.

2 bottles of red wine

3 tea cups of strong tea, Black tea

The juice of one orange

The juice of a lemon

225g/8oz cater sugar

700ml/1 pint of dark rum .

Orange amd lemon slices to mix in the punch .

Simmer the wine, tea and front juices in a big pan for about 5 minutes then take of the heat and stir in the sugar until it has all dissolved.

Now add this to the punch bowl with half of the rum and most of the fruit.

Now for the finishing touch heat half of the rum and until you see it starting to evaporate or what is called seething, then set it on fire and gently lade over the punch bowl.  What you are supposed to get is a flaming bowl of punch as you enter the room with it , now how safe this is I do not know so I would do it in one corner of the room with out  and animal or small children in the room , just to be on the safe side.