Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine)
Vin Chaud, or mulled wine, is the ultimate winter indulgence that wraps you in warmth with every sip. This delightful beverage combines full-bodied red wine with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, enhanced by the freshness of citrus. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights, this easy recipe will fill your home with inviting aromas and create lasting memories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750 ml) full-bodied red wine (e.g., Merlot)
- 1 orange, sliced (reserve some peel for zest)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and pour yourself a small glass of red wine for quality control.
- Slice the orange and reserve some peel for zesting.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine red wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and honey.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer without boiling. Allow to simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
- Strain out the solids using a fine-mesh sieve into mugs.
- Garnish with additional orange slices or cinnamon sticks if desired and enjoy warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (approximately 200 ml)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or experimenting with spices like cardamom. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently before serving.