Vin Chaud

Mulled wine is a loved holiday tradition around the world, especially in Europe. Vin chaud (France,) gluhwein (Germany,) and glogg (Sweden,) are a few you may have heard of. I was first introduced to gluhwein years ago at the Christkinlmarket in Chicago. It’s served in a festive mug like you would get in Germany. This year I kicked off the holiday season with a warm mug of the delicious, spiced wine the day before Thanksgiving. I frequently buy a bottle of it to have at home but wanted to try a homemade version this year. I titled it vin chaud because of my love of Paris and I’m currently taking French. Serve with your favorite holiday cookies. I enjoyed mine with a chocolate covered gingerbread cookie. Joyeux Noel!

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine (I used a French Malbec)

½ cup brown sugar

zest of 1 lemon

zest of 1 orange

3 star anise

5 cloves

5 allspice berries

2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

orange slices for garnish

Directions

Add all ingredients to a medium pan and heat over low heat. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Place a mesh strainer into a large bowl and pour the wine in the strainer. Remove the strainer from the bowl and ladle the wine into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.

Serves 3-4