Twelve Days of Irish Holiday Traditions: Winter Warmers

People around the world celebrate the season with their own unique customs and Ireland is no different. Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we are bringing you Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditions).

These are our favorite Irish traditions that make the season so special for so many on the Emerald Isle. You may even want to try one for yourself! Read on to find our first way to mark the holidays - Irish-style.

1. Enjoy a winter warmer

Eggnog might be the festive drink of choice for many, but it’s the scent of mulled wine that typically fills the air at Christmas parties and gatherings here in Ireland. It's actually a popular drink all over Europe and goes by many names depending on where you are - glühwein, glögg, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, vin chaud etc. etc. With so many people and cultures enjoying, you know you are on to a good thing!

As the name suggests, mulled wine is made with wine as the main ingredient, with port or brandy, and fruits and spices, such as cinnamon and cloves added to make it interesting! Served warm to piping-hot, and usually with a mince pie or a slice of Christmas cake, it's the taste of the holidays in a glass, and a wonderful drink for cold weather months.

Try it for yourself. Mulled wine is easy enough to make, you don't need to be too exact, and everyone has their own take! Here is our version below. It’s an excellent pick-me-up after a cold winter walk, or pounding the pavement holiday shopping!

And if that doesn't tickle your fancy, an Irish Coffee is another Irish holiday favorite when there is a chill in the air in Ireland - find our recipe here.

Ingredients:

• 500ml water
• Unwaxed (if possible) citrus fruit - 1 lemon & 1 large or two small oranges
• 150g of muscavado sugar or brown sugar
• A handful of cloves
• 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2–3 star anise (optional)
• 1 bottle of red wine (it doesn’t have to be fantastic wine so don’t waste the good stuff! A full bodied, fruity wine works well. You can also make with white white but red is traditional in Ireland)
• ¼ cup of brandy or port

Method:

1. Peel off the outer rind of the lemon and orange, cut into quarters and take out the pith. If your fruit is unwaxed you can skip this peeling part!
2. Stick the cloves into the fruit, studding the peeled surface all over. This makes them easier to fish out, but you can also just throw them in loose if you don’t have time!
3. Add your studded fruit into a large saucepan with 500 ml of water and slowly heat.
4. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and star anise and stir, turning up the heat until your sugar has dissolved and you have it at a low simmer. This should smell wonderful!
5. Leave to simmer away on a low heat for an hour - you want the flavors to combine.
6. Strain out the fruit and spices but keep the infused syrup.
7. Add the wine and port or brandy to the saucepan and heat until it reaches a simmer. Be sure not to boil or all your alcohol will cook off!
8. Serve hot in heat proof mugs or glasses, and garnish with orange, and cinnamon sticks or star anise if you like.

What's Next?

Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 2 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas traditions. Or open door number 1 of our 12 Days of Christmas offers! And of course if you need any help selecting a gift for you or a loved one please do get in touch.