A Drink With Literary Pedigree
The Bishop appears in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" — it's the drink Scrooge shares with Bob Cratchit on Christmas morning after his redemption. The drink predates Dickens by centuries; recipes appear in English cookbooks from the 1700s. It was a favourite of Samuel Johnson, who once declared that "Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men."
The Roasted Orange
What separates The Bishop from ordinary mulled port is the roasted, clove-studded orange. Roasting caramelises the orange's sugars and intensifies the essential oils in the zest, while the cloves perfume the fruit from within. This technique transforms the drink from a simple warm port into something layered and aromatic.
Choosing Your Port
Use a good Ruby Port — it has the youthful fruit and sweetness that works with the spices. Don't use Vintage or Tawny for heating; their delicate aged notes are lost. A standard Ruby from Sandeman, Graham's, or Taylor's is perfect and won't break the bank.
The Ecclesiastical Family
- The Archbishop: Made with Claret (red Bordeaux) instead of Port
- The Cardinal: Made with Champagne or Riesling — lighter and brighter
- The Pope: Made with Burgundy — the rarest and richest version
