Vin chaud

The ultimate recipe to keep you warm this winter

Mulled wine (or vin chaud, in French) is a favorite at most European Christmas markets. Its spicy notes and warm aromas make it a perfect holiday drink.
I have many fond memories of wandering through brightly lit stalls of Christmas markets with a cup of vin chaud warming my hands and lifting my spirits. But this delicious drink isn’t just for the holidays!

The history of mulled wine goes back to Roman times. A honeyed version was probably made somewhere around the 2nd century and consumed not only as a winter warmer, but also prized for its restorative properties. Medieval Europe took a special liking to the drink, adding exotic spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, which were introduced through trade and exploration. Back then, it was an aid for digestion and popular at banquets. The addition of spices was also a way to make wines last longer and improve their taste when they were bitter or unpleasant. By the end of the 19th century, mulled wine had become the Christmas drink we know today.

Below is my recipe, which calls for Armagnac, fresh orange juice (not the rind, it adds too much bitterness) and dark brown sugar for a deep, rich taste.