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Smoking Bishop - a sophisticated alternative to mulled wine

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional mulled wine winter warmer, have a go at brewing up some Smoking Bishop.

A variation on mulled wine, Smoking Bishop was especially popular in Victorian England at Christmas time and is even mentioned in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Apparently its name comes from the traditional bowl it was once served in which was shaped like a bishop’s mitre.

  • Take six oranges and bake them in a moderate oven until pale brown.
  • Prick each of the oranges with five whole cloves, put them into a warmed ceramic or glass vessel with one-quarter pound of sugar and a bottle of red wine, cover the vessel, and leave it in a warm place for 24 hours.
  • Take the oranges out of the mixture, cut in half and squeeze the juice, then pour the juice back into the wine.
  • Pour the mixture into a saucepan through a sieve, add a bottle of port, heat (without boiling), and serve in warmed glasses.
  • Drink the mixture, and keep Christmas well!

It might take a bit longer than mulled wine, but it is definitely worth the effort. A seasonal brew that'll get everyone in the mood for Christmas.

Of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some gifts, so why not take a look through our range of traditional soft wool blankets and throws. They make ideal presents for the person who appears to have everything. If you're not sure what they'll like, you can't go far wrong with a neutral colour like grey.

 


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