WINES OF THE WORLD -- STEEMFEST SPECIAL EDITION!

WINES OF THE WORLD -- STEEMFEST SPECIAL EDITION!

"I don't have a drinking problem 'cept when I can't get a drink."-- Tom Waits

STEEMFEST -- Time For A Warm Mulled Wine
There is no better time.., or place to enjoy a nice warm mug / glass of mulled wine -- gluhwein.., or bishop's wine. The traditional winter beverage as you stroll through the winter markets, gathering up some holiday cheer -- shopping bags in one hand.., gluhwein in the other…

Mulled wine dates back as far as the 2nd century.., when the Romans would heat wine and take it on there travels -- and the rest is history. Now countries all over Europe (mostly northern) have their own version of heated wine flavored with spice and citrus. (and a little extra pop).

And for SteemFest.., it seems like the perfect beverage to sip as you take in the wonderful city of Amsterdam.., making new friends. Traditional mulled wine, known as -- Gluhwein or Bisschopswijn is sure to warm you up… But in honor of SteemFest we're going to Kick-It Up a notch.., and get you in the mood for some good times.

Look, obviously.., one of the best ways to enjoy your mulled wine is to just buy it from a vendor, as you should… But if you get the chance to whip some up, I would definitely recommend you give it a shot. And for those of us who were not able to make the journey to SteemFest -- have yourself a nice big mug of gluhwein.., and dream a little… CHEERS!

HAVE A BLAST!!!

MULLED WINE -- GLUHWEIN

Ingredients:

• 1 btl. Red Wine (Spanish, Chilian, Merlot) but any Chianti or Cab works, too
• 8 Whole Cloves
• 4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 Star Anise
• 1 Nutmeg (grated)
• 1-2 inch inch piece Ginger (grated)
• 1 vanilla bean (halved)
• 1/4 cup honey (organic, raw)
• 1/2 orange sliced
• 1 orange zest (grated peel)
• 1 lemon zest (grated peel)
• 1 orange juiced (juice from one whole orange)
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup Gran Marnier (Brandy)
  
  This has all the ingredients of the traditional mulled wine of Denmark.., plus a few extras to kick-it up a notch, warm those chilly bones.., an put a smile on your face.
  Preparation:

Place all ingredients in a heavy sauce pan (pot) except for the Gran Marnier / Brandy. Set on medium heat -- DO NOT let it boil. Once you see some steam rising from the mixture, set the burner to low and let heat for 30 minutes (get it nice and hot). Strain into another pot / bowl (I use another pot in case I want to heat up a bit).

Garnish with a slice of orange and cinnamon stick.


Traditional GLUHWEIN

• 1 btl. red (merlot, cab, chianti)
• 1 orange sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1/2 cup sugar

I wanted to add the traditional recipe, too.


For those of you that require a little extra loosening-up.., and need something more along the lines of a good cocktail, I have called some friends that know a little bit about the cocktail scene in Amsterdam.., and for a more Cocktail-centric bar, where you can get some cocktails like I make in the "Cocktail of the Month" they recommended:

TALES AND SPIRITS
Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7
1012 TE Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Centrum
+31 655 356467

You are now ready to warm up by a fire with new friends..,
or stroll the canals while sipping a drink with some history. Have fun, be safe --
I'll see you on the flip side and.., STEEM ON!

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