Smoking Bishop Drink Recipe
If you’re looking to serve something that’s as cozy as a crackling fire and as festive as a Christmas carol, then the Smoking Bishop cocktail is the perfect choice.
This classic holiday drink is rich, spicy, and full of warm, aromatic flavors that will put everyone in the holiday spirit. While it may sound like an old-timey recipe from your grandmother’s cookbook, it’s actually a drink with a bit of history and a whole lot of charm.
What is Smoking Bishop?
The Smoking Bishop is an old-fashioned, warm, mulled wine-based drink that has roots in 18th-century England. It was popularized in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, where it was mentioned as a traditional holiday drink enjoyed by many during the festive season.
The name “Smoking Bishop” comes from a play on words. The “bishop” part refers to the clergyman, a term that was often used in the past to describe the deep red color of wine.
The “smoking” part comes from the drink’s preparation method, which involves a bit of flaming fun and flair, adding a touch of theatrical drama to your holiday gathering.
Traditionally, the Smoking Bishop was made by combining red wine, citrus fruits, spices, and sugar, with the added twist of heating and sometimes flambéing the drink to give it a smokier, more complex flavor.
Basically, its mulled wine.
And yes, I’ve made mulled wine before and I update it every year and I’ve always said it’s the only mulled wine recipe you will ever need.
However, instead of just updating that article to mention the Smoking Bishop, I’d like to give it it’s own recipe. Mainly because the smoking bishop I’ll be showing you how to make is a little bit richer then my infamous mulled wine recipe.
If you’re interested more in the history of the Smoking Bishop I’d recommend this read.
How to Make the Perfect Smoking Bishop
Making a Smoking Bishop might sound complicated, but in reality, it’s pretty straightforward, and the end result is absolutely worth it.
The key is to balance the sweetness of the wine with the bright, tart flavors of the citrus and the warmth of the spices. Let’s dive into how to make this holiday classic.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of full-bodied red wine (a fruity red, such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, works best)
1 orange (cut into slices, and feel free to zest some for added flavor)
1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
1 cinnamon stick
6 cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but adds great warmth)
1/4 cup brandy (or more if you’re feeling extra festive)
1/4 cup ruby port wine (optional, but adds depth and richness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruit
Start by studding the orange and lemon slices with cloves. This simple trick infuses the drink with lovely, aromatic citrus flavor. Once that’s done, set the fruit slices aside.
You can even zest the orange for an extra punch of citrus essence if you like.
2. Heat the Wine
Pour the bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, ground ginger, and the clove-studded fruit.
Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. You don’t want it to boil—let it gently heat up and meld together so all those flavors can blend. This should take about 10–15 minutes.
3. Add the Liquor
Once your wine mixture is hot, stir in the brandy and port (if using). Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.
You can adjust the sweetness or spice level at this stage by adding more sugar or extra spices. Taste it and tweak it to your liking.
4. Flambéing (Optional)
If you want to get that dramatic “smoking” effect, this is where the fun happens! Carefully ignite the surface of the drink with a long lighter or match, and let it flame for a few seconds. This step is optional, but it does add a lovely smoky flavor to the drink.
Just be sure to let the flames die down on their own, or you can put out the fire with a lid. If you’re not comfortable with flambéing, you can skip this step, and the drink will still be delicious.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the drink is ready, strain out the spices and fruit (unless you prefer to leave the fruit slices in for visual appeal). Ladle the warm Smoking Bishop into heatproof glasses or mugs, and serve it immediately. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a twist of orange zest to give it a polished look.
Why You’ll Love Smoking Bishop
The Smoking Bishop is a drink that makes you feel like you’re sitting by a roaring fire with a cozy blanket wrapped around you.
It’s not only rich in flavor but also steeped in tradition. The combination of the deep, bold red wine and the fragrant spices makes it an excellent sipper for winter nights. Plus, the brandy and port give it an added warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
One of the best things about this drink is that it’s easily scalable, so you can make enough for a crowd.
It’s perfect for holiday parties or a quiet evening with close family and friends. And if you’re entertaining, there’s something undeniably fun about serving a warm, smoky drink that will leave everyone asking, “What’s that delicious scent?”
Tips for Making the Best Smoking Bishop
Wine Choice Matters: Opt for a dry, full-bodied red wine. The wine you use will be the base of the flavor, so it’s worth choosing a quality bottle. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can make the drink too sugary.
Adjust Sweetness: You can tweak the sugar depending on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more sugar. For a less sugary drink, reduce the sugar or omit it entirely.
Spice It Up: Smoking Bishop is all about the spices, so don’t skimp on them. If you enjoy a more spiced flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon, cloves, or ginger.
Don’t Skip the Port: While optional, port wine adds a layer of depth to the drink that enhances the other flavors. It’s a great touch for this recipe.
Skip the Flambé if You’re Not Comfortable: The flambé step is fun, but it’s definitely not necessary to enjoy the drink. If you’re not comfortable with it, just skip the flaming part. You’ll still have a delicious mulled wine-based beverage that’s perfect for Christmas.
Why It's Perfect for Christmas
When it comes to Christmas, we’re all about bringing warmth, comfort, and good cheer into our homes. The Smoking Bishop embodies all of that.
The combination of wine, citrus, and warming spices is like sipping the flavors of the holiday season itself. And if you’re hosting a Christmas party, this drink can be a great centerpiece for your holiday bar or drink station.
It’s one of those cocktails that’s easy to make in a large batch, so you don’t have to spend all night pouring drinks for guests.
Similar Recipes
Finally, if you enjoy this recipe, I’d recommend taking a look at these festive recipes;
As for Christmas drink resources, we recommend checking out;
Smoking Bishop
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, ground ginger, cloves, and oranges. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. You don’t want it to boil, let it gently heat up and meld together so all those flavors can blend. This should take about 10–15 minutes.
- Once your wine mixture is hot and the sugar dissolved, stir in the brandy and port. Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes. You can adjust the sweetness or spice level at this stage by adding more sugar or extra spices. Taste it and tweak it to your liking.
- Once the drink is ready, strain out the spices and fruit (unless you prefer to leave the fruit slices in for visual appeal). Ladle the warm Smoking Bishop into heatproof glasses or mugs, and serve it immediately. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a twist of orange zest to give it a polished look.
Notes
This is at it's core, just a richer mulled wine. For those who prefer the classic, check out the traditional mulled wine recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
230Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
19 gFiber
2 gNet carbs
18 gSugar
2 gProtein
1 gSodium
3 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a holiday drink that's a little different from your usual mulled wine or eggnog, the Smoking Bishop is a great choice.
It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for keeping everyone warm and merry during those cold winter nights. Plus, the theatrical element of the flambé (if you choose to do it) adds a special touch to your Christmas gathering.
So, grab a bottle of wine, a few spices, and prepare to serve up a cozy, smoky holiday classic! Cheers!
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
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