Aromatic Homemade Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine)
Homemade Vin Chaud Recipe: A Winter Delight for Cold Prevention and Fatigue Recovery
Create your own warming Vin Chaud using red wine. It offers a deep, rich flavor from the subtle fruit aromas and spices.
Ingredients- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 2 apples
- 2 oranges
- 2 lemons
- 5 whole cloves (optional)
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 30g cinnamon sticks
- 3 tablespoons muscovado sugar (or honey, regular sugar to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fruits that will add flavor to your Vin Chaud. Get 2 apples, 2 oranges, and 2 lemons. You can also use other seasonal fruits like tangerines or pears if you have them. Since we’ll be using the peels, wash the fruits thoroughly under running water. Scrubbing with baking soda can ensure they are extra clean.
Step 2
Briefly blanch the washed oranges and lemons in boiling water for about 20 seconds. This helps to remove any residues from the peel and enhances the fruit’s aroma.
Step 3
Similarly, blanch the apples in boiling water for 20 seconds. Afterward, carefully scoop out the core from the center. Removing the seeds prevents any bitterness and ensures you use only the clean flesh.
Step 4
Slice the blanched oranges, lemons, and apples thinly, keeping the peels on. Cutting them thinly is important so that their flavor and aroma infuse well into the wine.
Step 5
Prepare 5 whole cloves to add an exotic aroma. If the strong scent of cloves is not to your liking, feel free to reduce the amount or omit them.
Step 6
Add 2 star anise for an enhanced aroma. Like cloves, star anise has a strong fragrance, so you can adjust the quantity or skip it based on your preference.
Step 7
Prepare about 30g of cinnamon sticks. If you enjoy a strong cinnamon flavor, use this amount. If you prefer a milder scent, reduce the quantity.
Step 8
Use 1 bottle of red wine for your Vin Chaud. A wine with a slight tannic quality can add depth to the Vin Chaud’s flavor. A wine with some sweetness also works well.
Step 9
For sweetness, prepare 3 tablespoons of muscovado sugar (unrefined cane sugar). If muscovado sugar is unavailable, regular sugar or honey can be used. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 10
Now, let’s get ready to cook the Vin Chaud. Place the thinly sliced apples, oranges, and lemons into a pot. Add the prepared cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Step 11
Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the pot with the fruits and spices. Ensure the fruits and spices are submerged in the wine.
Step 12
You can add sweetener to taste after the Vin Chaud is cooked, but I chose to add the muscovado sugar while simmering. Adjusting the sweetness at this stage is key.
Step 13
With all ingredients in the pot, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Starting on high heat helps to quickly extract the flavors from the ingredients.
Step 14
Once the wine begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Simmering at a low temperature allows the flavors of the fruits and spices to deeply infuse into the wine.
Step 15
After the simmering process, don’t immediately remove the solids. Let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors from the fruits and spices to meld further into the wine, resulting in a richer, more profound taste.
Step 16
After resting overnight, the fruits in the Vin Chaud will be soft and slightly broken down. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the fruit pieces. Then, use a cheesecloth or fine strainer to filter out any remaining solids, creating a clear Vin Chaud.
Step 17
The finished Vin Chaud can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to drink it, gently reheat it to your desired temperature. Warm yourself up with a comforting cup of Vin Chaud this winter!
