Mulled Berries Champagne Syllabub

Mulled berries with Champagne syllabub is my go to dessert when I want something elegant yet simple for festive gatherings or dinner parties. Its warming spiced berries topped with a cloud of boozy syllabub and homemade shimmering decorations always impress guests while using pantry staples and minimal prep.

I first served this at my New Year’s party and watched everyone go back for seconds. It is always a hit and makes any occasion feel a little extra special.

Ingredients

• Red wine: Gives depth and warmth to the berries A fruity bottle adds more complexity
• Caster sugar: Ensures gentle sweetness Use fresh fine caster sugar for the smoothest dissolving
• Mulled wine spices: Infuses classic winter aroma Go with whole spice sachets with orange peel if possible
• Mixed frozen berries: Stay juicy and bright even after simmering Choose berries with a mix of colors for visual appeal
• Champagne or sparkling wine: Adds a lovely fizz and dryness to the syllabub Prosecco is also a good choice if you prefer a milder flavor
• Lemon juice: Lifts the richness and balances the sweetness Freshly squeezed works best
• Double cream: Whips up beautifully for a silky finish Look for cream marked as double or heavy
• Caster sugar in the syllabub: Provides subtle sweetness again Use fresh and measure carefully
• Caster sugar for the decorations: Forms crisp sweet decorations Choose a clean dry pan for melting
• Cold water: Helps dissolve the sugar Never use warm water or the syrup may crystallize

Instructions

Mull the berries:

Pour the red wine into a saucepan Add caster sugar and mulled wine spice sachet Bring gently to a simmer over low heat for about five minutes Then add frozen berries and continue to heat just until the berries soften and burst slightly Remove spices and let the mixture cool at room temperature

Make the Champagne syllabub:

Pour the chilled Champagne or sparkling wine into a large mixing bowl Add the lemon juice and caster sugar Gently stir until the sugar dissolves Pour in the double cream and begin whipping with a balloon whisk or electric mixer Whip slowly at first then gradually increase speed until you reach soft pillowy peaks Take care not to overwhip or the mixture may turn grainy

Create the gold stars and snow:

Combine caster sugar and cold water in a clean saucepan Heat over medium without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup turns pale gold Quickly pour onto a flat lined baking sheet and use cookie cutters to shape stars Let remaining syrup harden and break into snowy shards Set decorations aside to cool completely before using

Assemble the dessert:

Spoon the mulled berries and their syrup into wide serving glasses Top each with a generous scoop of Champagne syllabub Decorate with gold stars and shards of snow Arrange just before serving so the decorations stay crisp

Serve and enjoy:

Bring to the table with a flourish Guests will love the surprise of sparkling creamy syllabub and lightly boozy berries beneath

My favorite touch is the lacy sugar snow Inspired by my grandmother who always dusted her special desserts with homemade candy magic We laugh every time the stars stick to our noses as we dig in

Storage Tips

This dessert is best served fresh but you can store leftover syllabub covered loosely in the fridge for a day or two The mulled berries can be made the morning of your event and kept chilled Reassemble just before serving to keep the sugar stars crisp For the sugar decorations store at room temperature in a dry airtight container

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap port for red wine to amp up spice Use any combination of raspberries blueberries or blackberries if you do not have a mixed berries bag Prosecco or even a dry soda water works for the syllabub if you want nonalcoholic

Serving Suggestions

Pair this with almond biscotti or ginger shortbread for a real treat Small glass jars or coupe glasses showcase the layers and decorations beautifully For younger kids try a whipped cream topping with a dash of orange juice folded in

Cultural And Historical Context

Syllabub dates back to 16th century England where wine or cider was poured over cream to create a frothy treat Mulled wine and berries are festive classics across Europe merging here into a modern showpiece An edible gold accent is a holiday tradition in many cultures

Seasonal Adaptations

Use fresh strawberries and sparkling rosé in summer Warm the berries with orange zest for a citrusy winter version Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar snow for extra fragrance

Success Stories

Friends who normally skip dessert always ask for the recipe This has become a new tradition at our family’s winter gatherings The kids love breaking the sugar snow and making extra stars for hot cocoa A neighbor said it tasted like Christmas in a glass

Freezer Meal Conversion

While syllabub does not freeze well the mulled berries can be made in advance cooled and frozen in airtight containers Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembly

This festive dessert is bound to impress and delight your guests. With its sparkling finish and rich flavors mulled berries with Champagne syllabub is an instant holiday classic.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you prepare the mulled berries?

Simmer frozen mixed berries with red wine, caster sugar, and mulled wine spices until the berries soften and release their juices. Remove the spices before serving.

→ What is Champagne syllabub?

Champagne syllabub is a light, whipped mixture of double cream, sugar, lemon juice, and champagne, resulting in a fluffy, tangy topping.

→ Can other sparkling wines be used?

Yes, sparkling wine or prosecco can substitute for champagne, adding a similar lightness and festive flavour to the syllabub.

→ How are the gold stars and snow created?

The gold stars are made from melted caster sugar and water, poured into star shapes and cooled; the 'snow' is finely crushed or dusted sugar for decoration.

→ Can this dessert be made in advance?

You can prepare the berry compote and syllabub ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

→ What berries work best?

A mix of frozen berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries gives colour, flavour, and variety to the dish.