St. John’s Wine

History

The “Apostle of Love” and “The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved” is St. John, one of the most complex, dynamic, and popular disciples found in Scripture. Although his day falls right at the beginning of the Twelve Days of Christmas on December 27th, he has long been remembered as a significant saint and has thus had many historic traditions and customs associated with him and his feast.

One of the most significant traditions that is a part of his celebration is the blessing and drinking of wine, called the “Love of St. John.” This is because, according to legend, the saint was once offered a cup of poisoned wine but took it and blessed it, driving out the poison and evil contained in the drink. In many countries of Central Europe people still practice this custom of bringing wine and cider into the church during Christmastide to be blessed. Later, at home, some of this blessed wine is then poured into every barrel in a household’s wine cellars with the thought that it would purify the rest of the libations.

Drinking wine with your meals on December 27th has remained a custom over the centuries, with the toast and first drink accompanied by the phrase: “to the love of Saint John.” Some of this same wine is sometimes reserved and kept in the house throughout the rest of the year to be added to the wine that is drunk during celebrations that might occur in the upcoming twelve months—events such as weddings or the birth of a new baby.

Mulled Wine

Hot, spiced wine is also traditionally served on St. John’s feast day. Glühwein, or mulled wine, comes in many different versions and has long been a winter staple in Northern European countries. Its history stretches back to the Roman Empire and the years immediately following Christ’s death when it was drunk during the winter. Called Conditum Paradoxum, it was universally made by mixing honey with wine and adding spices to the mixture while heating it.

Over the years the drink became exclusively associated with the coldest months of the year and is now often seen as a celebratory libation consumed during the Advent and Christmas seasons. We especially like this recipe as its warm spices and sweet taste will be a welcome addition to any meal that you might choose to serve on December 27th! The inclusion of oranges before serving also references an old Christmas tradition, making this recipe especially appropriate for this third day of Christmastide!

1 bottle red wine

2 ½ cups apple juice

⅓ cup honey

2 whole cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 vanilla bean pod or 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract/paste

3 oranges, cut into 1/4” slices

1. Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise in halves.
2. Put all ingredients into a large pot and heat the contents, but do not let it boil.
3. When sufficiently heated through, turn off the heat, cover, and let the mixture sit for at least three hours or overnight.
4. Reheat the wine and strain out the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean before serving. Don’t forget to add in your orange pieces as a garnish!