Bring King Henry's banquet to your home! A Taste of History: Making Hippocras spiced wine at Home

We aren't talking about lampreys or anything like that. We are talking about Hippocras, which is a type of spiced wine

Hippocras is a delightful beverage with roots stretching back into the Middle Ages. Named after the ancient physician Hippocrates, this drink was originally concocted for its medicinal properties. 

Over the centuries, it evolved into a festive and aromatic drink, often enjoyed during the winter months. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of hippocras and provide a simple recipe for you to create your own batch at home.

A Brief History of Hippocras

Hippocras dates back to the medieval period, where it was a popular drink among the nobility. It was often served at banquets and feasts, and its warming spices made it especially popular during the colder winter months. The blend of wine and spices was believed to have a variety of health benefits, including aiding digestion and warding off illnesses.

The name 'hippocras' is derived from the 'Hippocratic sleeve', a conical strainer used in the preparation process. This ancient method of flavouring wine has endured through the ages, evolving into the delightful beverage we can enjoy today.

The Ingredients

To make hippocras at home, you will need the following ingredients:

1 litre of red wine (a good quality, full-bodied wine works best, so don't skimp by buying cheap red wine!)

100 grams of honey (or more to taste)

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 teaspoon of ground cloves

1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

1 vanilla pod (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavour)

A small muslin bag or cheesecloth (for straining)

The Method

Prepare the Spices: Begin by placing the cinnamon stick, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg into a small muslin bag or piece of cheesecloth. If using a vanilla pod, split it open and add it to the spice mixture. Tie the cloth securely to ensure the spices do not escape during the infusion process.

Heat the Wine: Pour the litre of red wine into a large saucepan and gently heat over a low flame. Be careful not to let the wine boil, as this can affect the flavour.

Add the Honey: Once the wine is warm, stir in the honey until it is fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey according to your taste preferences. Traditional hippocras is quite sweet, but you can reduce the amount of honey if you prefer a less sugary drink.

Infuse the Spices: Place the muslin bag containing the spices into the warmed, honeyed wine. Allow the spices to infuse the wine over a low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and ensure the wine does not come to a boil.

Strain and Serve: After 30 minutes, remove the muslin bag and take the saucepan off the heat. Strain the wine through a fine sieve to catch any loose spices. Pour the hippocras into a decanter or directly into glasses.

Enjoy: Serve your homemade hippocras warm or at room temperature. It’s a perfect accompaniment to winter gatherings or a cosy night in.

Variations and Tips

White Wine Hippocras: For a lighter version, you can use a white wine instead of red. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the white wine's flavours.

Additional Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Storing Hippocras: If you have leftovers, store the hippocras in a sealed bottle or container in the fridge. It can be enjoyed chilled or gently reheated.

Conclusion

Making hippocras at home is a wonderful way to bring a touch of medieval history into your kitchen. Its rich, spiced flavour is perfect for festive occasions or simply to enjoy on a cold evening. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create this timeless beverage and savour a taste of the past. Cheers!