The Ultimate Bishop’s Wine (Bisschopswijn) Recipe: A Traditional Dutch Mulled Wine for Sinterklaas
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, aromatic drink to chase away the chill. In the Netherlands, one such cherished beverage takes center stage during the festive season: Bishop’s Wine, or Bisschopswijn. This traditional Dutch mulled wine is an absolute must-have for Sinterklaas celebrations, offering a delightful blend of warmth, sweetness, and spice that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Forget the cold; a steaming mug of Bishop’s Wine is the perfect antidote to December’s chilly evenings, making it a beloved staple on countless festive tables.
While many may be familiar with Glühwein, its German cousin, Bishop’s Wine holds a unique place in Dutch tradition, distinctly tied to the Sinterklaas festivities that predate Christmas celebrations for many families. This year, as we round off our Sinterklaas-inspired culinary journey, we’re concluding with this iconic recipe. It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying drink that will undoubtedly become a highlight of your seasonal gatherings. We’ll delve into its history, explore what sets it apart, and provide you with a foolproof recipe to create this festive delight in your own home.
What is Bishop’s Wine (Bisschopswijn)? A Glimpse into Dutch Tradition
Bishop’s Wine, known as Bisschopswijn in Dutch, is a centuries-old warm spiced wine that is deeply ingrained in the Sinterklaas tradition. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is celebrated on December 5th in the Netherlands, a time of gift-giving, songs, and festive treats. Much like gingerbread and speculaas cookies, Bishop’s Wine is an indispensable part of this cherished cultural event. Its name itself, “Bishop’s Wine,” refers to Sinterklaas in his role as a bishop, adding a touch of historical charm to every sip.
Traditionally, Bishop’s Wine is a red wine infused with the simple yet powerful flavors of fresh oranges, fragrant cloves, and warming cinnamon, all sweetened with sugar. Unlike some other mulled wine varieties, the focus here is on these core ingredients, allowing their natural aromas to shine through without being overpowered. The ritual of preparing and sharing a pot of this spiced wine adds to the festive atmosphere, bringing families and friends together to share warmth and joy. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that evokes fond memories and builds new ones, making it a drink truly high on anyone’s list for holiday cheer.
Bishop’s Wine vs. Glühwein: The Distinctive Orange Zest
You might be thinking that Bishop’s Wine sounds very similar to the popular German Glühwein, and indeed, they share the fundamental concept of a warm, spiced wine. However, there’s a crucial distinction that sets Bishop’s Wine apart: its exclusive use of oranges. While Glühwein often incorporates a mix of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, the authentic Dutch Bishop’s Wine recipe strictly calls for oranges only.
This single citrus focus gives Bishop’s Wine a uniquely sweet and mellow orange aroma, which perfectly complements the red wine, cloves, and cinnamon. The absence of other tart citrus notes allows the natural sweetness of the orange to dominate, creating a smoother, less acidic profile that is incredibly comforting. This subtle yet significant difference is what purists appreciate and what makes Bishop’s Wine truly distinct and cherished in Dutch culture, especially during Sinterklaas. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and tradition in creating a truly memorable holiday beverage.
Crafting the Perfect Bishop’s Wine: Essential Tips for Success
Making Bishop’s Wine is a straightforward process, but a few key tips can elevate your homemade brew from good to outstanding. Paying attention to these details will ensure your drink is perfectly spiced, wonderfully warm, and retains all its delightful alcoholic kick for a truly festive experience.
Temperature Matters: Preserving the Alcohol and Flavor
One of the most crucial aspects of preparing Bishop’s Wine is managing the temperature. Unlike cooking, where high heat is often desired, with spiced wine, you’ll want to avoid boiling it. The goal is to warm the wine gently, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse without evaporating the alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to heat your mixture slowly and never let it exceed 70 degrees Celsius (about 158 degrees Fahrenheit).
Why 70°C? Alcohol begins to evaporate at around 78°C (173°F). By keeping the temperature below this threshold, specifically at 70°C, you ensure that the wine remains warm and inviting, while largely preserving its alcohol content. Heating it too quickly or too hot will result in a less potent drink and can also cause some of the delicate spice aromas to dissipate. A good kitchen thermometer is your best friend here, allowing you to monitor the temperature precisely and simmer your Bishop’s Wine to perfection for at least an hour, letting the spices truly blossom.
Smart Spicing: Cloves and Cinnamon
The spices are the heart of Bishop’s Wine, and how you incorporate them can significantly impact the final enjoyment of the drink. While whole cloves and cinnamon sticks are essential for their rich aroma, you likely don’t want to be fishing out individual cloves while enjoying your warm wine.
A clever trick to ensure easy removal and optimal flavor extraction is to prick the whole cloves directly into the orange peel before adding the orange quarters to the saucepan. This method keeps the cloves contained within the orange, preventing them from scattering throughout the wine. When your Bishop’s Wine is ready to serve, you can simply remove the orange quarters (with the cloves still attached) and the cinnamon sticks, leaving you with a smooth, spice-infused beverage that’s a joy to drink. This simple step saves you the hassle and ensures a more pleasant sipping experience.
Sweetness to Taste: Balancing Your Wine
Wines vary greatly in their natural sweetness and acidity, which means the ideal amount of sugar for your Bishop’s Wine can also vary. The recipe provides a good starting point, but it’s always best to taste and adjust to your preference. Start with a little less sugar than recommended, especially if you’re using a naturally sweeter red wine.
After your Bishop’s Wine has simmered for a while and the flavors have had a chance to meld, taste a small amount. If you prefer it sweeter, gradually add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired balance. This method ensures you don’t over-sweeten the drink, allowing the harmonious blend of wine, orange, and spices to shine through without being cloying. Remember, you can always add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away!
Choosing Your Wine: The Best Base for Bishop’s Wine
The choice of red wine is fundamental to the success of your Bishop’s Wine. While you don’t need to splurge on an expensive bottle, opting for a decent quality, fruit-forward red wine will yield the best results. Avoid highly tannic or heavily oaked wines, as these characteristics can become more pronounced and sometimes less pleasant when heated.
Good choices for Bishop’s Wine include lighter-to-medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot, Grenache, or a young, fruity Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines tend to have bright fruit notes that marry beautifully with the orange and spices. A robust Zinfandel or a simple, inexpensive Côtes du Rhône can also work wonderfully. The key is to select a wine that you enjoy drinking on its own, as its character will form the backbone of your spiced beverage. A good quality table wine will typically suffice, providing a solid foundation for the festive flavors to develop.
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Andréa
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Equipment
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Thermometer
Ingredients
- 750 ml red wine
- 500 ml water
- 75 grams powdered sugar
- 2 oranges , each quartered
- 5 cloves
- 2 sticks cinnamon
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Add the red wine, water and sugar in a saucepan.
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Prick the cloves into the orange and add, along with the cinnamon stick, to the wine.
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Heat slowly to 70 degrees Celsius.
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Allow to simmer for at least one hour at this temperature (definitely not hotter).
Nutrition
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Serving Your Bishop’s Wine with Style
Once your Bishop’s Wine has simmered to perfection and its aromas have fully developed, it’s time to serve this delightful beverage. Presentation adds to the festive experience! Ladle the warm wine into heat-resistant mugs or glasses. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider garnishing each serving. Fresh orange slices or a twist of orange peel can be added to reinforce the drink’s signature citrus note.
A cinnamon stick, either a fresh one or one saved from the simmering process, makes for a beautiful and aromatic stirrer. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a splash of brandy or rum can be added to individual servings, though this is not part of the traditional recipe. Bishop’s Wine is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated (remembering the 70°C rule!) for another cozy evening. Serve it alongside traditional Sinterklaas treats like pepernoten, marzipan, or speculaas for a truly authentic Dutch holiday experience.
A Toast to Tradition: The Joy of Sinterklaas and Bishop’s Wine
Bishop’s Wine is more than just a warm beverage; it’s a fragrant symbol of Dutch heritage and the joyful traditions surrounding Sinterklaas. Its simple yet potent blend of red wine, orange, cloves, and cinnamon creates a comforting drink that warms you from the inside out, making it the ideal companion for the chilly December evenings leading up to the main celebration on December 5th. Whether you’re hosting a grand Sinterklaas party or simply enjoying a quiet night in, a pot of homemade Bishop’s Wine adds an undeniable touch of magic and festivity.
Embracing this traditional recipe allows you to connect with a rich cultural history and share a unique taste of the Netherlands with your loved ones. The process of making it fills your home with enchanting aromas, setting a wonderful holiday mood. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to delight in the timeless charm of Bishop’s Wine. It’s a truly heartwarming drink that celebrates tradition, community, and the simple pleasures of the season. Proost! (Cheers!)