The Caribou is a French-Canadian mulled wine most frequently related to Quebec Metropolis and the Quebec Winter Carnival, held each February. The precise recipe can fluctuate, however it’s sometimes made with pink wine, a spirit akin to whiskey or brandy, maple syrup, and baking spices. This variation combines pink wine, rye whiskey, maple syrup, and orange juice. The standard drink is most frequently served scorching, however may also be served chilly.

The wine-based cocktail is alleged to have originated in Seventeenth-century Canada, when fur merchants and loggers relied on it to endure lengthy, chilly days open air. Its identify is commonly linked to a legend claiming the unique drink was made with whiskey and caribou blood — a narrative that’s broadly thought of a delusion.

Why the Caribou works

With roots in historical Rome, heat, spiced wine has been a winter staple for hundreds of years. The wealthy and comforting concoction of pink wine, a daring spirit, citrus, and spice has been handed down for generations from numerous cultures throughout the globe.

A daring pink wine and spicy rye whiskey pair particularly nicely collectively as a result of they share complementary traits: dried fruit, oak, and peppery spice. Maple syrup is a signature Canadian ingredient, serving to to amp up the intense fruit within the wine whereas balancing the whiskey’s heat. Orange juice provides this Caribou a contact of citrus sweetness and acidity, provides depth of taste, and counteracts the wine’s tannins. 

Seasonal garnishes are elective, however an orange wedge, rosemary sprig, and cranberries lend a wintery aptitude and heat, fragrant notes.