Conditum Paradoxum - An aperitif from Ancient Rome

This wine-based aperitif - its name means literally “surprise spiced wine“ - was commonly believed to lift the spirits, open the stomach and prepare it for the meal to come. It basically is a cold mulled wine, and maybe an alternative for those who are not overly wild with the Christmas market version. Just make sure to use a good wine as a base. You need: red wine, honey, pepper, cinnamon, bay leaves and one date. Stay tuned - there are much more historical recipes to come on this culinary archaeology channel. If you like, visit me at