It is Valentine’s Day, so how about disregarding the calorie count for just now, and simply enjoying the moment? After all, it’s one day a year strictly dedicated to love, so it would be a shame not to indulge in some fine wine or a little bubbly, since it adds to the romance. Now, a table for two and a bottle of red wine is certainly a go-to for many couples, but what if you want to broaden your horizons? If you’re feeling a bit adventurous this year and you don’t mind adding a little twist to the wine of your choice, we’d suggest a couple cozy glasses of mulled wine - perhaps the most underrated winter drink of all, surprisingly packed with hidden health benefits.

Speaking of hidden health benefits, we couldn’t introduce our delicious mulled wine recipe without also talking about collagen. (Hint: Our mulled wine recipe calls for collagen.) I know, I know, it is Valentine’s Day and you would rather skip straight to the recipe and save the lecturing for some other day, but trust me - you wouldn’t want to miss out on this information and you might even discover you’re new favorite drink. Collagen supplements in powdered form, such as our Premium Grass Fed Collagen Peptides, provide amino acid-enriched, valuable nutrients, which we don’t get enough of from our food (unless your idea of a Valentine’s Day meal is bone broth...errr, we’re guessing not). Collagen Peptides can be mixed into your mulled wine, without altering taste, texture, or smell.

The Superpower Cocktail: Mulled Wine and Collagen

But, why even add something tasteless into mulled wine? That’s a great question. Well, here’s another intriguing fact you may not know: mulled wine and collagen make an unbeatable combination when it comes to health. Likely, health benefits don’t usually come to your mind when alcohol is involved, but why not grab the extra benefits when you have the chance? All the positive traits of collagen-infused mulled wine will bring any sense of guilt to a minimum the next morning, so let’s cut to the chase.

Just like collagen is packed with amino acids, red wine contains a great number of antioxidants, which not only fight damaging compounds - free radicals, but also have a potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Various studies have established the importance of antioxidants in the reduction of cholesterol, which forms blockages disrupting the bloodstream. Adding a collagen supplement into mulled wine significantly increases the chance of lowering cholesterol levels since collagen on its own has similar effects. Needless to say, a consistent intake of collagen in the body is of enormous importance, especially considering it allows the brain to function properly, and keeps issues such as anxiety and stress under control.

Boosting your immunity should be a priority all year long, regardless of the season. Think of your immune system as the guard at the gates of your health; the most important weapon you have when it comes to fighting off various intruders, from a harmless cold to more serious infections. Therefore, investing in the strength of your immune system is a must - and it doesn’t hurt to do something healthy on special occasions either. According to studies, properties called flavonoids found in red wine can protect you from infections and improve your immunity. Collagen doesn’t lack in immunity-boosting properties either, which is yet another reason to put it on the top of the ingredient list for your mulled wine.

Detoxification usually calls for the absence of alcohol, but not in this case. You can still enjoy your mulled wine if you’re trying to get rid of toxins in the body, especially those built up in your kidneys and liver. Research shows that nutmeg found in mulled wine recipes could even prevent the formation of kidney stones due to its detoxifying properties. In addition, collagen doesn’t fall too far behind, due to its powerful constituent - glycine, which has the potential to detoxify and even reduce damage to the liver. Do you see how your mulled wine with an addition of collagen powder has quickly evolved from a guilty pleasure to a health elixir? We do!

Without collagen, the body’s ligaments, joints, and tendons would lose their flexibility and strength as we age, which could easily result in injuries. Collagen is not only a bodily constituent but a fuel which allows the body to preserve its youthfulness and agility. The bad news is that collagen is a luxury our body no longer allows us to produce after a certain period of time. Now, this would be a rather alarming situation without collagen supplementation, but luckily we can offer some premium solutions. Glycine and proline, two prominent amino acids found in collagen, play an anti-inflammatory role when it comes to this area of the body, reducing pain and increasing mobility. Anti-inflammatory properties can be enhanced in your mulled wine and collagen cocktail if you decide to top it with cinnamon. Apart from potentially reducing inflammation, cinnamon also adds a pleasantly spicy note which, in our opinion, is what will take your mulled wine to the next level.

Collagen protein can be found in skin, nails, and hair, but unfortunately, it is not immune to the attacks of free radicals, or the aging process. Collagen supplementation, on the other hand, can turn the tables and aid in retaining the youthfulness of skin, nails, and hair, as well as preventing further damage. When it comes to red wine, it could contribute in this area as well, thanks to its cell-reparation characteristics and free radical-fighting ingredient, resveratrol.

The Recipe

Let’s get our mulled wine on! We’ve tried this recipe especially so you can enjoy it with the one you love on V-Day. Without further ado:

Ingredients:

1 bottle of dry red wine of your choice (We recommend Biodynamic or Organic Wine with lower sulfates)
6 scoops of our Premium Grass Fed Collagen Peptides
8 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks (remember the anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as the unique scent and taste)
Mulling spices of your choice (we recommend nutmeg and anise)
Sweetener (optional; you can use maple syrup or honey to taste)

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients including collagen peptides in a pot and cook over medium-high heat for one minute (be careful not to let it boil).

2. Simmer for up to 3 hours over medium-low heat (optional, but allows all the spices to release their flavors).

3. Serve warm with garnishes of your choice (additional cinnamon sticks and sliced oranges are some of the options, but don’t let me limit your imagination).

Gravitating towards healthier choices doesn’t mean that the party is over. Mulled wine without collagen would still be the a fantastic option for your Valentine’s Day date, but why not look get experimental and go with an Collagen-infused version instead?

Even though collagen-infused mulled wine is a healthy alternative, a hangover is still one of the possible side effects if you drink too much of it, just in case you thought you were avoiding that one. Have a romantic Valentine’s Day, and enjoy your mulled wine and collagen cocktail!