The Christmas season is upon us, which means we finally have an excuse to drink mulled wine again!

We at Olverum particularly enjoy this festive tipple, not only because we love the warming, citrusy comfort it provides, but also because of the aromatherapeutic benefits we can test in our recipes…allowing us to do the ‘hard work’ so you don’t have to 😊. We therefore feel is it only right to share our favourite recipe of a guilt-free mug of the good stuff.

How to make Olverum citrus mulled wine

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• Peel of 1 lemon
• Peel of 2 oranges
• 2 oranges sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
• 1-2 whole star anise pods
• 2 cardamom pods
• ½ teaspoon of allspice or nutmeg
• 60ml of cranberries
• Optional - demerara sugar or honey

METHOD:

1. Place your pot over a low-medium heat. Pour the wine into the pot.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom, allspice or nutmeg, lemon peel, orange peel and 1 sliced orange. Depending on how sweet you want it, add demerara sugar or honey until you are happy with the balance of sweetness.
3. Bring to a very gentle simmer and allow the aromas to be released, flavouring the wine.
4. Keep the pot on a low heat for one hour (or up to 3 hours), making sure you stir every 10 minutes or so.
5. Strain the spices and mulled fruit with a fine mesh sieve.
6. Add in cranberries and any remaining sliced orange. Let it infuse for 10-15 minutes on a low heat, then serve warm.
7. Enjoy the irresistibly festive drink that is Olverum Citrus Mulled Wine!

And if you needed another excuse…

The delightful combination of citrus fruits will boost your vitamin C levels, and together with warming spices, provide anti-inflammatory and aromatherapeutic benefits (below), perfect for the winter season. 

Aromatherapeutic benefits of Olverum Citrus Mulled Wine ingredients

Our sense of smell plays a fundamental part in our ability to enjoy experiences like Olverum's luxurious bath oilor our delicious Olverum Citrus Mulled Wine recipe.

• Lemon is known to add an element of sharpness and freshness. As an essential oil, it is known for its purification properties.
• Orange creates an uplifting aroma that enhances the mood with a blanket of calm and relaxation.
• Cinnamon carries warmth and spice with a hint of an herbaceous note. Its scent has a reputation of being able to put people at ease, relaxing them.
• Cloves have a sweet-spicy yet fruity and fresh scent. It is known for its antiseptic properties and ability to aid circulation and the immune system.
• Star anise has a strong scent many liken to sweet black liquorice. It soothes and reduces feelings of stress.
• Cardamom has a distinctive sweet and spicy yet slightly menthol flavour. It aids respiratory health by promoting clear airways and breathing.