The Oxford Bishop 19Th Century Spiced Mulled Port Wine Recipe

Step back in time with this luxurious, 19th-century recipe for The Oxford Bishop, a spiced mulled port wine drink fit for a Victorian Christmas! Inspired by Eliza Acton and mentioned in Dickens's *A Christmas Carol* (as "Smoking Bishop"), this warming beverage is perfect for chilly evenings. Imagine the rich aroma of baked oranges, warming spices, and luscious port wine filling your home. This festive drink is ideal for Christmas Eve celebrations, post-midnight mass gatherings, or any special occasion. Easily scaled for extra guests, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era of elegance and festive cheer!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 290.9 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 2.5 (2 Reviews)
The Oxford Bishop 19Th Century Spiced Mulled Port Wine 16

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Oxford Bishop 19Th Century Spiced Mulled Port Wine

  • 1 large orange
  • 12-16 whole cloves
  • 0 Brown Sugar (not used; 1 cup granulated sugar used instead)
  • 0 Ground Cinnamon (not used; 1 cinnamon stick used instead)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0 Ground Ginger (not used; 1 inch piece fresh ginger used instead)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bottle (750ml) ruby port
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this The Oxford Bishop 19Th Century Spiced Mulled Port Wine? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make The Oxford Bishop 19Th Century Spiced Mulled Port Wine

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
  2. Cut one large orange in half and stud each half with 6-8 cloves.
  3. Place orange halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.
  4. Remove from oven and set aside.
  5. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/4 teaspoon ground mace, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and thinly sliced).
  6. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by about half (approximately 10-15 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat and set aside.
  8. When ready to serve, pour 1 bottle (750ml) of ruby port into the saucepan with the spiced sugar syrup. Add the baked orange halves and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice.
  9. Gently heat over low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
  10. Serve immediately from a warmed punch bowl, garnished with the baked orange halves. Serves approximately 6.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

77g

Fat

1g

Carbs

10g