Quentão Recipe: The Ideal Drink to Warm Up on Cold Days

Quentão is a drink traditionally associated with June festivals, especially in Brazil, and is known for its warm, comforting flavor. Although many associate quentão with Minas Gerais, its popularity has spread throughout the country and has become a favorite during the winter. With its rich, spicy flavor, quentão is perfect for warming up cold nights and gathering the family around the table.

In this article, we’ll explore the classic mulled wine recipe in detail, with all the tips and tricks to ensure you make the perfect drink. From choosing the ingredients to the preparation process, you’ll find everything you need to create a delicious and aromatic mulled wine.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious mulled wine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 bottle of cachaça (600 ml): Cachaça is the base of quentão and gives it its strong and distinctive character. Choose a good quality cachaça to ensure the best flavor.
• 600 ml of water: The water helps to dilute the cachaça and mix the flavors of the spices.
• 500 g sugar: Sugar is essential to create the characteristic sweetness of mulled wine.
• Peel of 2 oranges: Orange peel adds a citrus aroma and a touch of freshness to the drink.
• Peel of 1 lemon: Lemon zest complements the orange flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
• 50 g of ginger in small pieces: Ginger brings a spicy heat and exotic flavor.
• Cloves to taste: Cloves add a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Cinnamon sticks to taste: Cinnamon contributes a sweet, spicy flavor.
• 1 apple cut into small pieces: The apple adds a natural sweetness and interesting texture to the drink.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash the orange and lemon peels well, and cut the apple into small pieces. The ginger should be cut into small pieces to release its flavor more efficiently.

2. Cooking the Sugar and Spices:

• In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, orange peel, lemon peel, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally. The goal is to melt the sugar and release the aromas of the spices.

3. Add the Cachaça and Water:

• When the sugar begins to melt and form a golden caramel, add the cachaça and water to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the caramel dissolves completely and mixes with the cachaça and water.

4. Cooking the Quentão:

• Let the mixture cook for about 25 minutes over medium heat. The cooking time allows the flavors to blend and intensify. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from over-caramelizing or burning.

5. Filter and Add the Apple:

• After the cooking time, strain the mulled wine to remove the fruit peels and spices. This will ensure a smooth drink without any unwanted chunks. After straining, add the apple pieces to the still-hot mixture. The apple will soften and release additional flavor into the drink.

6. Keep Warm:

• Keep the mulled wine warm over low heat until ready to serve. This helps keep the drink at the ideal temperature and allows the flavors to continue to develop.

Tips for a Perfect Mulled Wine

• Choosing the Cachaça: The quality of the cachaça is essential for the final flavor of the mulled wine. Choose a good quality cachaça and, if possible, one that you already know and like.
• Sugar Adjustment: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar. If you prefer a sweeter mulled wine, add more sugar, but do so in moderation so as not to overwhelm the drink.
• Spices: Spices are the soul of mulled wine. Try adjusting the amount of cloves, cinnamon and ginger to customize the flavor to your taste.
• Decoration: For an extra touch, you can decorate the mulled wine with a slice of orange or lemon on the rim of the glass or even add a cinnamon stick.

Side dishes

Quentão is great on its own, but it can also be accompanied by various snacks typical of June festivals, such as:

• Popcorn: Popcorn is a light and crunchy side dish that goes well with a hot drink.
• June Cakes: Corn, rice or chocolate cakes are great to complement the mulled wine.
• Canjica and Curau: These typical dishes are also delicious accompaniments to a mulled wine.

History and Tradition

Quentão has its roots in the Festa Junina, a traditional Brazilian celebration that takes place during the months of June and July. These festivals have their origins in the celebration of Catholic saints, such as Saint John, and are known for their typical foods, dances and hot drinks.

Although quentão is traditionally associated with Minas Gerais, it is enjoyed throughout Brazil, especially during the winter. Its popularity has grown due to its comforting flavor and the fact that it is a drink that warms the body and soul.

Final considerations

Quentão is a classic drink that brings comfort and warmth to cold days. With its combination of cachaça, spices and fruits, it is perfect for gathering family and friends around a table. We hope this recipe helps you prepare a delicious quentão and make the most of cold nights with a hot and tasty drink.

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