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Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s all about fun, delicious food, great drinks, and wonderful company. One of the best drinks to serve during Christmas is mulled wine, a traditional warm, spiced alcoholic beverage that’s an essential part of winter evening celebrations like Christmas.
If you’re thinking of adding mulled wine to your Christmas menu, knowing the best food pairings will make your festive feast even more special. If you’re unsure what to pair with it, here’s your handy guide to delicious food combinations that perfectly complement the warm, aromatic flavors of mulled wine, ensuring your holiday celebrations are cozy and memorable.
Mulled wine is a traditional warm, spiced alcoholic beverage that is made primarily from red wine. It is heated gently with various spices and then sweetened by adding honey or sugar to it. The most common spices that go into this are star anise, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sometimes, even citrus peels like lemon or orange are also added for aroma or brightness.
The wine is heated slowly just to simmer in order to let all the flavors of the spices blend in with the wine without boiling the alcohol. Sometimes brandy or other spirits are also added to it just to add some depth and extra warmth. Mulled wine is enjoyed warm, especially during cold weather, and it has a very aromatic, warm, and comforting flavor profile.
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Samosas, pakoras, and aloo tikis are some of the spicy fried Indian snacks that go well with mulled wine. The warm spices and mild sweeteners in the wine are well balanced by the bold spices in the snacks, and mellow the heat as well. Additionally, the slight sweetness and acidity in mulled wine refresh the palate by cancelling the oiliness and richness of the fried foods, which makes the snack lighter and more enjoyable.
Butter chicken, Chicken tikka masala, or Malai kofta are some Indian curries that go well with mulled wine. The cream in these curries actually softens the spices, and the acidity of mulled wine cuts through the richness of the palate. The tomato-based saucy gravy offers slight tanginess, which tastes really well with the fruit-forward character of the wine.
Mulled wine pairs beautifully with gulab jamun, jalebi, or spiced fruitcakes. This is because the wine’s warm spices, subtle sweetness, and acidity balance the rich, syrupy sweetness of these Indian desserts. This creates a harmonious flavor match without overwhelming the palate.
The warm spices in mulled wine pair wonderfully with gingerbread because similar spices are used in gingerbread. The rich depth of ginger breads balances the wine's fruity sweetness and spice profile. This creates a harmonious and festive flavor combination. The slight acidity and subtle sweetness of mulled wine also help balance the dense and spicy nature of gingerbread, which somehow refreshes the palate.
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Cheese boards featuring creamy and salty varieties pair exceptionally well with mulled wine. This is because the smooth, rich textures and savory flavors of the cheese complement the spiced sweetness of the wine. Creamy cheeses like Camembert, Brie, or soft blue cheeses provide a lovely mouthfeel that balances the fruity notes in mulled wine. The saltiness of cheeses such as aged cheddar, Roquefort, or Stilton enhances the wine's sweetness.
We have listed all the best food pairings that go extremely well with mulled wine. So now, without much ado, go ahead and plan your Christmas party.
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