Drinks

Czech Mulled Wine

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

750 ml (1 bottle) red wine
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
60 g (5 tbsp) sugar, or to taste
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method

Pour the red wine into a saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange and lemon slices.
Warm gently over low heat, stirring in the sugar and honey, if using.
Heat until steaming but not boiling, about 10 minutes, to avoid cooking off the alcohol and flavour.
Let the spices infuse for a further 5 minutes off the heat.
Strain into heatproof mugs, garnishing each with a fresh citrus slice, and serve hot.

Introduction: Svařák is the Czech take on mulled wine, warmed with citrus, cinnamon and cloves, and sold at Christmas
markets across the country as a winter warmer.

Cultural Background: Svařák is the Czech take on mulled wine, warmed with citrus, cinnamon and cloves, and sold at Christmas
markets across the country as a winter warmer. It's a beloved fixture of the Czech Advent season, sipped from
steaming mugs while browsing market stalls in the cold.

Tips: Never let the wine reach a rolling boil, as this burns off the alcohol and mutes the flavour; a gentle steaming
heat is all that's needed.

Variations: A splash of rum or spiced syrup is a popular addition for extra warmth at Christmas markets.

Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat; avoid microwaving as it can heat unevenly.

Nutrition: Approx. 150 kcal, 0g protein, 0g fat, 14g carbohydrate per serving (serves 6).

FAQs

Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
A: Yes, substitute the red wine with a good-quality grape juice and follow the same spicing method.

Q: Where is svařák traditionally sold?
A: At outdoor Christmas markets across Czech towns and cities throughout Advent.