
Why we love this vin chaud recipe
- Vin chaud doesn’t require a fancy or expensive wine. I think the bottle I used cost me maybe 2 euros. Personally, I think any wine would do, but a softer, fruitier wine seems a little better suited for mulling.
- It’s easy to make, just steep warmed wine with mulling spices for a short while and you’ll have a warm, cozy Parisian cocktail for the holidays.
- When it’s ready, serve them in fancy glass mugs or hot toddy glasses – if you have them.
- Vin chaud has easily become one of my favorite Christmas traditions since we lived in France, I look forward to it every year. It’s a cozy staple of the holiday markets during Christmas in Paris.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it
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Equipment




How to make vin chaud
Warm the wine. Heat wine in a large saucepan, over medium heat.
Stir in sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Steep the spices. Drop in the mulling items, cinnamon, anise, cloves, ginger and citrus, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Serve warm.

Everything you need to know about vin chaud
Does vin chaud contain alcohol?
Yes, this mulled wine will have the alcohol content of whatever wine you choose. The wine, when warmed for mulling, does not reach a high enough temperature to significantly reduce the alcohol content.
What wine is best for mulling?
A softer, fruitier wine is best suited for mulling as it will blend smoothly with the mulling spices and fruits used.
Can you use cheap wine for mulled wine?
Vin chaud doesn’t require a fancy or expensive wine. I think the bottle I used cost me maybe 2 euros. Personally, I think any wine would do.
And, if you like this recipe, make sure to check out my mulled wine cranberry sauce featured on my other blog. It’s perfect to spice up your holiday meal!

More holiday cocktails you will love
More spiced cocktails you should try

Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 navel orage (sliced)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 1- inch piece fresh ginger (peeled)
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine wine and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved, stirring as needed.
- Add the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to lowest setting and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
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