Hypocras or Ypocras is a mulled wine from the middle ages and is a recipe that has been somewhat forgotten - at least forgotten enough so that it doesn't suit modern taste buds. My craving for Vin Chaud or mulled wine drove me into this crazy idea of making hippocras chez-moi. This hypocras has been mentioned in legends as a drink fit for kings and was a luxury good brought back with the Crusaders after they ravaged the Middle East. King Louis XIV was said to have highly appreciated this unique drink as did notorious serial killer and rapist Gilles de Rais.
You need:
-1.5 liters of robust red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot)
-2 tbs. Honey
-2 tbs. Sugar
-1 tbs. Cinnamon
-1 chunk of ginger
-15 black peppercorns
-Pinch of paprika
-Pinch of nutmeg
-10 cloves
-5 cardamon pods
-1/4 cup of Port Wine
-2 bay leaves
Start by crushing all of the spices in a mortar creating an even blend. Heat the liquid ingredients in a large pot on low flame until it starts to steam. DO NOT boil the liquid or the alcohol will evaporate faster defeating the purpose. Add the spices and sugar to the wine and stir carefully for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into a large jar and let it cool before capping it. Let this mixture sit for a week before passing it through a sieve made from a cloth. Cheesecloth works best. This process will take a good hour so have patience. Bottle your mixture and let the wine sit out of light in cellar like conditions for one month. Serve warm or room temperature.
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