Go Back

Smoking Bishop

A warm, spiced drink perfect for cold weather gatherings, featuring a blend of wines, spices, and orange.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 mugs
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: Festive, Winter
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 whole oranges
  • 2 tbsp whole cloves divided
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 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 wheels orange for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Push the whole cloves into the oranges. Reserve 6-7 whole cloves for the spiced syrup.
  3. Place the whole oranges in a baking dish and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the peel darkens and the oranges are soft.
  4. Let the oranges cool briefly before adding them to the wine.
Making the Spiced Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Add the whole spices, reserved whole cloves, and sliced ginger.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. 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.
Cooking
  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the red wine.
  2. Add about ¾ of the spiced syrup and stir well. Heat the wine until hot, but do not let it boil.
  3. Cut the oranges in half, squeeze the juice into the wine, and add the orange halves.
  4. Pour in the Port wine, and heat everything until hot but not boiling.
  5. Taste the Smoking Bishop. If you want it sweeter, add more of the spiced syrup.
  6. If you prefer, strain the wine through a fine mesh strainer to remove any orange pulp.
  7. Ladle the Smoking Bishop into mugs and garnish with dried orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Notes

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.