why make this recipe
Smoking Bishop is a warm, spiced drink perfect for cold weather gatherings. This historical cocktail brings comfort and joy, often associated with the festive season. Its blend of wines, spices, and orange creates a unique flavor that many love. Making Smoking Bishop is a great way to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in.
how to make Smoking Bishop
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 2 tbsp whole cloves (divided)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 3 whole allspice berries (optional)
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 750 ml red wine
- 750 ml Port wine
- Extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Dried orange wheels for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Push the whole cloves into the oranges. Reserve 6-7 whole cloves for the spiced syrup.
- Place the whole oranges in a baking dish and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the peel darkens and the oranges are soft.
- Let the oranges cool briefly before adding them to the wine.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Add the whole spices, reserved whole cloves, and sliced ginger.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let the syrup steep for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain it, discarding the spices and ginger.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the red wine.
- Add about ¾ of the spiced syrup and stir well. Heat the wine until hot, but do not let it boil.
- Cut the oranges in half, squeeze the juice into the wine, and add the orange halves.
- Pour in the Port wine, and heat everything until hot but not boiling.
- Taste the Smoking Bishop. If you want it sweeter, add more of the spiced syrup.
- If you prefer, strain the wine through a fine mesh strainer to remove any orange pulp.
- Ladle the Smoking Bishop into mugs and garnish with dried orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
how to serve Smoking Bishop
Serve Smoking Bishop hot in mugs. You can garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and a dried orange wheel for extra flair. This drink is perfect for cold nights and gatherings with friends or family.
how to store Smoking Bishop
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove without boiling.
tips to make Smoking Bishop
- For a stronger flavor, let the orange cloves bake a bit longer until they caramelize slightly.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup based on your taste.
- Try substituting different spices based on your preference, like nutmeg or cardamom.
variation (if any)
You can make a non-alcoholic version of Smoking Bishop by replacing the red wine and Port with grape juice or a mix of apple cider and cranberry juice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
A: Yes, you can use white wine for a different flavor profile, but it may change the overall taste of the drink.
Q: Can I prepare Smoking Bishop in advance?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the spiced syrup ahead of time and reheat the drink before serving.
Q: What kind of Port wine should I use?
A: You can use Ruby or Tawny Port. Both will add a rich flavor to the Smoking Bishop.
Smoking Bishop
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Push the whole cloves into the oranges. Reserve 6-7 whole cloves for the spiced syrup.
- Place the whole oranges in a baking dish and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the peel darkens and the oranges are soft.
- Let the oranges cool briefly before adding them to the wine.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Add the whole spices, reserved whole cloves, and sliced ginger.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let the syrup steep for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain it, discarding the spices and ginger.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the red wine.
- Add about ¾ of the spiced syrup and stir well. Heat the wine until hot, but do not let it boil.
- Cut the oranges in half, squeeze the juice into the wine, and add the orange halves.
- Pour in the Port wine, and heat everything until hot but not boiling.
- Taste the Smoking Bishop. If you want it sweeter, add more of the spiced syrup.
- If you prefer, strain the wine through a fine mesh strainer to remove any orange pulp.
- Ladle the Smoking Bishop into mugs and garnish with dried orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!