Svařák

The story

At the Christmas markets that open in the squares of Prague and other Czech cities as early as the end of November, svařák is served steaming hot. This Czech version of mulled wine is made with red wine, cloves, cinnamon, orange peel, and sometimes honey in place of sugar. The name comes from the verb “svařit” — “to boil” — a plain, descriptive word that reflects how uncomplicated the drink is at heart: simmer wine with spices long enough for the alcohol to mellow a little and the aroma to develop. Unlike in some neighboring traditions, Czechs drink svařák all winter long, not strictly at Christmas, at ice rinks, markets, and winter events around town. Many market vendors compete over whose svařák is better, each with a secret ratio of spices. For Czech families in the diaspora, making svařák at home is one of the simplest ways to fill a room with the scent of a Prague Christmas square, even thousands of miles away.