Traditional Bishop’s Wine Recipe: Your Guide to Authentic Dutch Mulled Wine for Sinterklaas
As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, signaling the approach of the festive season, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, aromatic drink. Among the most cherished of these is Bishop’s Wine, known in Dutch as Bisschopswijn. This traditional mulled wine holds a special place in Dutch culture, particularly during the Sinterklaas celebrations. Served piping hot, its fragrant blend of spices and citrus makes it an absolute must-have for chilly December evenings.
This year, as we embrace the warmth and togetherness of the holidays, we’re concluding our festive series with this beloved recipe. While tantalizing raclette recipes and Thanksgiving delights might be on the horizon (raclette, a popular choice in the Netherlands on December 5th, is certainly a separate, highly recommended topic for another time!), today, our focus is entirely on the magic of Bishop’s Wine. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a cozy tradition, a heartwarming aroma that fills your home, and a taste of Dutch heritage.
What is Bishop’s Wine (Bisschopswijn)? A Dutch Festive Tradition
Bishop’s Wine, or Bisschopswijn, is the Netherlands’ answer to mulled wine. It’s a delightful, spiced red wine concoction, traditionally enjoyed around the Sinterklaas period. Imagine the rich warmth of red wine infused with specific aromatic elements: juicy oranges, pungent cloves, sweet sugar, and fragrant cinnamon. This particular combination is what gives Bishop’s Wine its distinct character and makes it an iconic part of Dutch winter festivities. The drink’s name itself, “Bishop’s Wine,” harks back to Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas), who is often depicted as a bishop.
The history of mulled wine stretches back centuries, with various versions found across Europe. The Romans were known to heat and spice their wine, a practice that spread across their empire. In the Netherlands, this tradition evolved into Bisschopswijn, deeply rooted in the seasonal celebrations leading up to December 5th, the main evening of Sinterklaas.
Bishop’s Wine vs. Glühwein: A Clarification
When you hear “warm spiced wine,” your mind might immediately jump to Glühwein, the popular German equivalent. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to associate the two, as both are indeed warm wines steeped in spices. However, there’s a crucial distinction that sets Bishop’s Wine apart: its citrus profile.
While Glühwein often incorporates a medley of citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, and orange, Bishop’s Wine traditionally focuses exclusively on oranges. This singular focus on orange creates a uniquely sweet, slightly tangy, and deeply aromatic flavor that defines Bisschopswijn. This specific ingredient choice is not just a preference; it’s a key part of its authenticity and traditional preparation, offering a consistently bright and comforting flavor that is less varied than its German cousin.
The Perfect Warmth for Chilly Evenings: Why Make Mulled Wine?
Beyond its traditional ties, Bishop’s Wine offers an unparalleled sensory experience. The moment you begin preparing it, your kitchen fills with the enchanting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and orange, instantly creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of drink that embodies coziness, perfect for unwinding after a long day or for sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings. The process of making it is also part of the enjoyment – a slow, gentle simmering that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into something truly magical.
Moreover, homemade Bishop’s Wine allows for complete control over the quality of ingredients and the level of sweetness, ensuring a personalized touch that store-bought versions often lack. It’s a wonderful project for a quiet afternoon and an impressive treat to offer guests, showcasing both your culinary skills and your appreciation for timeless traditions.
Sinterklaas Traditions and Bishop’s Wine: A Cultural Connection
Sinterklaas, celebrated on December 5th, is one of the most important and beloved holidays in the Netherlands. It’s a time of gift-giving, traditional sweets like pepernoten and speculaas, songs, and family gatherings. Bishop’s Wine is inextricably linked to these celebrations. As children eagerly await Sinterklaas and his helpers, the grown-ups often gather around a pot of simmering Bisschopswijn, warming themselves from the inside out.
It’s during this festive period that families come together, exchanging presents and enjoying various seasonal treats. While the article briefly mentions raclette as another popular festive meal enjoyed around December 5th in the Netherlands, especially among those looking for a warm, communal dining experience, Bishop’s Wine remains the quintessential festive drink. It perfectly complements the atmosphere of anticipation and joy that characterizes Sinterklaas evening, making it a truly integral part of Dutch winter festivities.
Essential Tips for Crafting Your Best Bishop’s Wine
Making Bishop’s Wine is relatively simple, but a few key tips can elevate your homemade version from good to absolutely fantastic. Paying attention to these details will ensure a perfectly balanced, aromatic, and warming drink every time:
- Mind the Temperature for Alcohol Preservation: The most crucial tip for any mulled wine is temperature control. You want to warm the wine and allow the spices to infuse, but you absolutely do not want to boil it. Heating the wine above 70 degrees Celsius (about 158 degrees Fahrenheit) will cause the alcohol to evaporate rapidly, diminishing the wine’s character and potency. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and keep it below this threshold for the best results. A gentle simmer is ideal; never a rolling boil.
- Clever Clove Preparation: Cloves are powerful in flavor and can be unpleasant to bite into. To ensure you get all the aroma without the inconvenience, prick the cloves directly into the orange peel before adding the orange to the wine. This ingenious method allows the cloves to release their essential oils into the wine while remaining easily retrievable once the simmering is complete. No one wants stray cloves floating in their drink!
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste and Wine Choice: Wines vary significantly in their inherent sweetness. A dry red wine will require more sugar than a semi-sweet one. Therefore, it’s difficult to give an exact sugar measurement that suits every palate and every bottle of wine. Always start with a little less sugar than you think you might need. Once the wine has simmered for a while and the flavors have had a chance to meld, taste it. If you prefer it sweeter, you can easily add a little more sugar or another sweetener like honey or maple syrup, stirring until dissolved. This ensures your Bishop’s Wine is perfectly tailored to your preference.
- Choose the Right Red Wine: For Bishop’s Wine, a dry to medium-bodied red wine is generally recommended. Avoid anything too bold, heavily oaked, or expensive, as the spices will dominate delicate nuances. A Merlot, Grenache, or a simple house red works wonderfully. The goal is a wine that can stand up to the spices without being overwhelmed or clashing with them.
- Allow Ample Simmering Time: While prep time is minimal, the magic happens during the simmering. Allowing the wine to simmer gently for at least an hour (and up to two hours) at the correct temperature ensures that all the flavors from the orange, cloves, and cinnamon are fully extracted and beautifully infused into the wine. This extended simmering time creates a depth of flavor that a quick heat-up simply cannot achieve.
Recipe: Mulled Wine (Bishop’s Wine)
Did you make this Mulled Wine? We’d love to see your festive creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or Twitter. It brings us so much joy to see you bring our recipes to life. Feel free to also share your photos and experiences on my Facebook channel or save this recipe to your boards on Pinterest so you can easily find it next time. Happy cooking and enjoy the season!
📖 Recipe
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Andréa
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Equipment
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Thermometer
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Large Saucepan
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Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
- 750 ml dry red wine (e.g., Merlot, Grenache)
- 500 ml water
- 75 grams powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 oranges , each quartered
- 5 whole cloves (to be pricked into oranges)
- 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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In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, water, and powdered sugar. Stir gently to help the sugar dissolve.
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Take your quartered oranges and carefully prick the whole cloves into their peel. Add the spiced oranges and the cinnamon sticks to the wine mixture in the saucepan.
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Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly warm the mixture, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius (158°F). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor this carefully; you want it hot, but not boiling, to preserve the alcohol content and flavors.
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Once it reaches the desired temperature (around 70°C), reduce the heat to low and allow the Bishop’s Wine to gently simmer for at least one hour. This extended simmering time allows the spices and orange flavors to fully infuse into the wine. Do not let it boil at any point. Taste after an hour and adjust sugar if necessary.
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Carefully remove the oranges and cinnamon sticks before serving, or leave them in for aesthetic appeal (just warn guests about the cloves!). Ladle the hot Bishop’s Wine into heat-proof mugs or glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or an extra cinnamon stick if desired.
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Serving Suggestions & Variations for Your Mulled Wine
While Bishop’s Wine is perfect on its own, a few additions can enhance the experience. Serve it in heat-resistant glasses or mugs, perhaps with a slice of fresh orange or a whole cinnamon stick for garnish. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or a good quality brandy just before serving. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with cranberry juice or a dark grape juice, keeping the spices and orange for a festive mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
You can also experiment with other spices in moderation, such as a star anise or a few cardamom pods, though remember that true Bishop’s Wine is simpler, emphasizing orange, clove, and cinnamon. Pair it with traditional Sinterklaas treats like speculaas, kruidnoten, or marzipan for an authentic Dutch holiday experience.
Beyond Sinterklaas: Enjoying Mulled Wine All Winter Long
While Bishop’s Wine is deeply tied to Sinterklaas, its comforting qualities make it a perfect drink throughout the entire winter season. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, or simply seeking a way to warm up on a frosty day, a steaming mug of this spiced wine is always a welcome treat. It’s an easy way to bring warmth, festivity, and a touch of European tradition into your home, long after the Sinterklaas gifts have been unwrapped.
With this traditional Bishop’s Wine recipe, you’re not just making a drink; you’re embracing a rich cultural tradition and crafting a memorable sensory experience. So, gather your ingredients, set your saucepan to simmer, and let the delightful aromas of Sinterklaas fill your home this season. Proost!