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Vin chaud or French mulled wine is a delicious hot wine drink that is usually sold at French Christmas markets. I made mine with a nonalcoholic wine because I wanted to join in on the fun but you can use your favorite bottle of red wine and a splash of your favorite brandy, some orange, and some spices and call it a day!
This is the best vin chaud recipe ever!
If you want to jump back into your Paris Christmas vacation then you have to make this hot wine cocktail with the most fragrant spices. Of course, if you have never been, at no additional cost this will be the drink that will transport you to the most beautiful European holiday places. On a holiday drinks table, it sits so nicely next to my apple cider mimosas and this alcohol-free virgin matcha Moscow mule.
It is especially great during the really cold winter nights. For the non-wine drinkers, I make a pot of Instant Pot apple cider, this creamy white hot chocolate or my date sweetened hot chocolate, and the coffee lovers always ask for a homemade peppermint latte. So if you like warm spices and extra cozy vibes, grab yourself a bottle of wine and some spices, and let’s get going!
Why you need to make this recipe!
- It’s so warm, cozy, and the most comforting drink ever.
- This is the perfect drink for the holidays or even your new year’s eve party!
- It will quickly become one of your favorite Christmas traditions
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this hot drink. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- Red wine – an inexpensive bottle of wine does the job here, read below what wines would work best.
- Oranges
- Ginger- Using fresh ginger will take your drink to the next level.
- Star anise
- Cinnamon stick
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla bean pot
- Cognac- This will compensate for any alcohol lost (no worries about adding this if you are using the nonalcoholic wine as I did) but if you don’t have any on hand, adding a splash of your favorite brandy will also work. This is to help the alcohol content that might’ve evaporated as well as give it an extra fruity aroma.
What is the best wine to use when making this festive drink?
Stick with something that is soft. A fruity red wine is great. An inexpensive wine does the trick, a bottle for about $10 would be perfect. A few examples of wines that would be great for this recipe would be Merlot, Malbec, or even a Zinfandel.
How to Make Vin Chaud
- Simmer. In a large pot, add the wine, the winter spices, the orange slices, orange juice and sugar. Heat on low, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain and serve. Pour the hot wine through a fine-mesh strainer into your favorite mug, then decorate with a dried orange slice, a cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries and even a star anise for good measure.
Vin Chaud FAQs
You can store leftover strained vin chaud in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pop it in the microwave for a minute or so to heat it back up.
You can enjoy it as is on your walks, especially when it is cold. Or serve it at your holiday gatherings with a salty snack, like cheese, chips, or even this baked brie recipe! A tray of Christmas cookies or a slab of Christmas caramel pretzel bark is lovely alongside it too.
More Cozy Holiday Drinks
If you made this vin chaud, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐ star rating and a comment below. It helps other readers find this cozy holiday drink!
Vin Chaud Recipe (French Mulled Wine)
Ingredients
- 1 – 750 ml bottle of red wine I used non alcoholic red wine
- 2 navel oranges
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Try the wine then add 1-2 more tablespoons of sugar to taste.
- 1 whole clove
- 1/2 vanilla pod sliced and scraped into the pot
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 ginger 1 inch slice
- nutmeg about a pinch
- 1/4 cup brandy
Instructions
- Slice one orange into thin slices, and place them in a large pot. Slice the other one in half and squeeze the juice into the pot as well.2 navel oranges
- Add in the red wine, granulated sugar, vanilla bean pod and beans, and spices. Place the pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a very gentle simmer and stir to dissolve the sugar, don't allow the mixture to boil.1 – 750 ml bottle of red wine, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 whole clove, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 1 ginger, nutmeg, 1/2 vanilla pod
- Cover the pot and kee it over low heat. allow it to steep for 20 minutes before turning off the heat, stirring in the brandy (if you are making the alcoholic version), and letting it sit for 5 -10 minutes before straining then serving in your favorite mug with a stick of cinnamon, a dried orange, and some fresh cranberries!1/4 cup brandy
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
