Last year (2019), some friends and I visited Quebec City to enjoy the festivities during the Quebec Winter Carnival. Quebec city is pretty, old buildings covered in snow, great places for dinner and drinks and lots of public activities to partake in.
We dressed in layers and also read up that locals and visitors make a concoction called Caribou to help them stay warm while outdoors. I suppose you can categorize it as a type of mulled wine (although the whiskey component makes it better).
Legend has it, the mixture was originally made of caribou blood and whisky (voyageur days) but I think this recipe will be better received.
When we were at the Winter Carnival, we bought these plastic canes that could be filled with liquid. Very civilized.
Caribou – French Canadian Beverage
(serves 4-6)
2 cups fruity (not oaked) red wine
1 cup rye whisky
1/4 to 1/3 cup maple syrup (depending how sweet you like it)
1 cinnamon stick
Optional: slices of orange
- Combine all ingredients in a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Pour into mugs or cups or allow to cool and serve later if you like cool or room temp.
