🇫🇷 France · Drinks
Vin Chaud
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
A comforting and aromatic French mulled wine, Vin Chaud is the perfect companion for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. Red wine is gently heated with citrus, warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, and a touch of sweetness, creating a fragrant and inviting beverage.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by preparing your aromatic elements: Take 1 large orange and carefully peel long, wide strips of zest, trying to avoid the bitter white pith as much as possible. Stick 10 whole cloves directly into the orange zest strips, ensuring their fragrant oils infuse the wine beautifully.
- 2
In a large, non-reactive saucepan, combine the entire 750ml bottle of dry red wine (a robust, fruit-forward wine like Merlot or Grenache works wonderfully), the orange zest studded with cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise pods, and 60g of brown sugar.
- 3
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the brown sugar to fully dissolve into the wine. Heat the mixture gently until it is very warm, almost steaming, but do not allow it to boil. Boiling will cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and diminish the nuanced flavors.
- 4
Once the Vin Chaud is warm and the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This slow infusion time is essential for the spices to release their full aroma and for the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with a wonderful scent.
- 5
Taste the Vin Chaud and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you enjoy a slightly sweeter drink, add a little more brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, stir in 60ml of good quality brandy at this stage; it's optional but highly recommended.
- 6
You can choose to strain the Vin Chaud through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the spices and orange peel for a clearer drink, or leave them in for a rustic presentation. It’s a matter of personal preference!
- 7
Ladle the hot Vin Chaud into heatproof mugs or glasses. Be careful, as the mugs will get warm. For an extra festive touch, garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and a new cinnamon stick.
- 8
Serve your fragrant Vin Chaud immediately. Encourage your guests to savor each warming sip slowly, especially on a cold evening or during festive celebrations. It's the perfect liquid embrace!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of red wine is best for Vin Chaud?+
Opt for an inexpensive, medium-bodied dry red wine like a Merlot, Grenache, or Zinfandel. Avoid anything too tannic, oaky, or expensive, as the spices will dominate.
How long should Vin Chaud simmer, and is boiling allowed?+
Simmer gently for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow flavors to meld, but never let it boil. Boiling will evaporate the alcohol and can create a bitter taste.
How should the orange be prepared for Vin Chaud to maximize flavor?+
Use both orange slices and some zest to infuse maximum citrus aroma without adding too much bitterness. You can also squeeze in a little fresh juice for brightness.
When should the brandy be added to Vin Chaud, and are there any good substitutions?+
Add the brandy at the very end, just before serving, to preserve its alcohol content and flavor. Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or even a good quality rum can be used as alternatives.
Mundo Match
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