The First of Three Mulled Wine Recipes- Vin Chaud

With some pretty perfect pairings for your next holiday party!

A French-style mulled wine, or “Vin Chaud,” is elegant, subtly spiced, and steeped in the warmth of winter traditions. My first encounter with it was nothing short of magical—a moment forever etched in my memory. It was Valentine’s Day, and Jim and I were wandering the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, hand in hand. We had spent the early evening at Sacré-Cœur, marveling at the view of Paris stretched below us and lighting candles in that extraordinary cathedral, where the flickering flames seemed to carry our whispered prayers into the heavens.

As we turned a corner, the most enchanting sight awaited us. Outside a tiny, welcoming restaurant stood a pot of steaming mulled wine on a small electric burner. The rich, spiced aroma wrapped around us like a warm embrace, beckoning us closer. It was a serve-yourself setup—a simple system with a jar for coins and a sign reading “2 E’s.” Honestly, I would have paid ten times that for the experience. Jim poured two paper cups of the steaming wine, and we couldn’t resist stopping by the boulangerie next door for a handful of colorful macarons.

With our treasures in hand, we strolled to our favorite bench overlooking the steps that spiraled down toward our apartment in the 18th arrondissement. The night was crisp, the lights of the city twinkling below, and the warmth of the Vin Chaud seeped into our fingertips as we sipped it slowly. The blend of citrus and spice was unlike anything I had ever tasted—elegant, comforting, and utterly romantic. The moment felt timeless, and I’ll never forget the way Jim looked at me that night, his cheeks flushed from the cold and his smile as warm as the wine in our hands as Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father” played through his iPhone .

Now, every time I make Vin Chaud, it takes me back to that magical evening. This recipe, that I brought home with me, is the first of three mulled wine stories I’ll be sharing—each special in its own way. The others are medieval-inspired, filled with ancient holiday spirit and perfect for festive gatherings. But this Vin Chaud, with its refined simplicity, is my favorite for cozy December nights, when the flicker of candles and the hum of quiet conversation make the season feel truly magical. ✨

Vin Chaud (French Mulled Wine)

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 1 bottle red wine (a dry French wine like Côtes du Rhône or Bordeaux works well)

• 1/4 cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)

• 1 orange (zest peeled in strips and juice reserved)

• 1 lemon (zest peeled in strips)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cloves

• 2 star anise pods

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or a small piece of fresh ginger, sliced)

• 1 vanilla bean, split (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)

• Optional: 4 tablespoons Cognac or Grand Marnier for added richness ( feel free to add more if you wish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Citrus: Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange and lemon in long strips, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the orange and set the juice aside.

2. Heat the Wine: In a large saucepan, pour the wine and gently warm it over low heat. Do not let it boil.

3. Add the Spices and Citrus: Add the sugar (or honey), orange juice, citrus zest strips, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, ginger, and vanilla bean (or extract). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

4. Simmer and Infuse: Let the wine gently simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

5. Add Cognac (Optional): If using, stir in the Cognac or Grand Marnier for a luxurious touch.

6. Strain and Serve: Strain the mulled wine through a fine sieve to remove the spices and zest. Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.

7. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod or if you are serving this to a crowd, add orange slices, cranberries , sprigs of rosemary and pear halves for an absolutely gorgeous presentation.

Notes

Here’s a list of perfect pairings to serve with Vin Chaud (French-style mulled wine). These accompaniments enhance the warmth and elegance of the wine while evoking the charm of that wonderful winter evening:

Savory Pairings

1. Cheese Board:

Include creamy Brie, tangy Roquefort, nutty Comté, and aged Gruyère.

Add fresh baguette slices, crackers, or crusty sourdough.

Accompany with dried figs, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.

2. Charcuterie:

Thinly sliced prosciutto, saucisson sec (dry-cured French sausage), duck rillettes and pâté.

Pair with cornichons, whole-grain mustard, and olives for a rustic French touch.

3. Savory Pastries:

Mini quiches (such as Lorraine or spinach and cheese).

Gougeres (cheese puffs) made with Gruyère or Emmental.

Warm onion tarts or mushroom crostini.

4. Roasted Chestnuts:

Serve warm with sea salt and a touch of butter or rosemary for a traditional winter pairing.

Sweet Treats

1. French Macarons:

Delicate almond-based cookies in flavors like raspberry, chocolate, or pistachio.

2. Madeleines:

Soft, buttery sponge cakes with a hint of lemon or vanilla.

3. Pain d’Épices:

A traditional spiced honey cake, similar to gingerbread, but with a French twist.

4. Chocolate Truffles:

Rich, dark chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder or filled with ganache.

5. Tarts:

Mini fruit tarts with custard and fresh berries.

Tarte Tatin (upside-down caramelized apple tart).

6. Simple Cookies:

Shortbread or sable cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Fruity & Nutty Additions

1. Fresh Fruit:

Sliced oranges, pomegranate arils, or figs to echo the citrus and spice in the wine.

2. Candied Nuts:

Glazed pecans or almonds with a hint of cinnamon and sugar.

3. Dried Fruit:

Apricots, dates, or figs served alongside nuts for a festive touch.

Other Warm Comforts

1. Warm Croissants:

Flaky, buttery croissants, plain or filled with almond paste or chocolate.

2. Savory Galette:

A rustic French tart with caramelized onions, potatoes, or Gruyère cheese.

3. Soups or Stews:

Serve small Demitasse cups of a simple French onion soup or a creamy chestnut bisque as a starter.

These options create a cozy, elegant spread that complements the spiced, citrusy notes of Vin Chaud, whether you’re hosting a small gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home. Joyeux Noel🍷✨