Ypocras

Ypocras sometimes spelled hipocras or hypocras is the old-fashioned name for mulled wine.  This drink was named after the 5th century BC Greek physician Hippocrates is a traditional favourite in Europe during the cold Christmas season. A tasty festive drink made from red wine mixed with sugar and spices, featuring cinnamon and ginger. In our version of this recipe the red wine is not heated on the stove to infuse the spice flavours or dissolve the sugar.  Using our spicy simple syrup is a far better way to preserve the pleasant alcohol flavours of the red wine but feel free to warm the wine glass with your hands and breathe in the festive aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry red wine (McLaren vale cleanskin)
• 1/3 cup Chocola Simple Syrup
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1-2 tsp. grated ginger
• 1 nutmeg pod
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 1/2 tsp. cloves
• 1/2 tsp. white peppercorns

Instructions

1. Crush cinnamon sticks and nutmeg into smaller pieces
2. Open the wine bottle and pour into a pitcher
3. Add simple syrup and spices and stir to mix
4. Cover the pitcher and steep the spices in the sweetened wine
5. Strain out the spices and transfer the mulled wine back into the bottle
6. Note there will be some extra liquid which can be poured into a tasting glass
7. Serve in wine goblets and garnish with orange rind and cinnamon sticks
8. Pairs perfectly with fruit cake