Traditional Mulled Cider vs Vin Chaud

Both drinks are heated gently, never boiled, and steeped for 15-20 minutes with cloves, orange, star anise and brown sugar, yet their bases take them in different directions. The mulled cider starts from apple cider with orange slices and thinly sliced fresh ginger, giving a fruity, apple-led cup with a warming ginger note. Vin Chaud relies on robust dry red wine, with cloves studded into strips of orange zest, for a deeper, wine-driven drink; brandy is only an optional addition. The cider can be hard or non-alcoholic, while Vin Chaud may be strained for a clearer finish.