Cozy Winter Spice: Homemade Vin Chaud
Easy Vin Chaud Recipe: Warm Mulled Wine with Red Orange, Pear, and Lemon – Perfect for Cold Days!
Hello everyone! This is Superpower. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Vin Chaud, a delightful warm mulled wine. Vin Chaud literally means ‘warm wine’ in French. It’s a comforting beverage made by simmering red wine with fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and lemons, along with a blend of aromatic spices. While oranges are commonly used, I’ve opted for ‘Red Orange’ (a type of citrus popular in Korea during winter, similar to a tangerine with a slightly tart and sweet flavor) for a unique seasonal twist. This recipe is perfect for warming up on chilly days or for adding a festive touch to gatherings. Get ready to enjoy the cozy aroma and comforting taste!
Vin Chaud Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 Pear
- 1 Red Orange
- 1 Lemon
- 3 Star Anise pods
- 15-20 whole Black Peppercorns
- 5 Bay Leaves
- 1L Red Wine (2 x 500ml bottles)
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- Coarse Salt (for washing fruit)
- Baking Soda (for washing fruit)
- Water (for washing fruit)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare the fruits that will infuse our Vin Chaud with flavor and aroma. Take 1/2 to 1 pear, 1 fragrant red orange, and 1 lemon. Thoroughly wash them using coarse salt and baking soda, then rinse with hot water. Since we’ll be using the peels, it’s crucial to get them sparkling clean to remove any residues. This step ensures both health and deliciousness.
Step 2
Once cleaned, slice the fruits into approximately 0.5cm thick rounds. Slicing them ensures that their flavors and juices can easily infuse into the wine. You can remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother drink.
Step 3
Now, place the sliced pear, red orange, and lemon into a pot. Don’t be shy with the fruit – the more you add, the richer the flavor of your Vin Chaud will be!
Step 4
Next, pour in the red wine that will form the base of our mulled wine. I’m using two 500ml bottles of Jinro wine, which is budget-friendly and tastes great when made into Vin Chaud, making it a frequent choice for me. You can use any red wine you prefer, but I’d recommend one that isn’t overly dry or full-bodied, perhaps one with pleasant fruity notes.
Step 5
It’s time to add the spices that will give our warm wine its exotic character. Add 3 star anise pods for their lovely licorice aroma, and 3 cinnamon sticks for their sweet fragrance. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference.
Step 6
Let’s enhance the flavor profile further. Add 15-20 whole black peppercorns for a subtle spicy kick and 5 bay leaves for their distinctive aromatic quality. These spices will work together to harmonize the wine and fruit flavors beautifully.
Step 7
Place the pot with all the ingredients over low heat and bring it to a simmer. Once you see gentle bubbles forming around the edges, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. During this time, the fruit’s essence and the spices’ aromas will slowly meld into the wine, creating a deep and rich Vin Chaud. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8
After simmering for 30 minutes, the wonderful aroma of the Vin Chaud fills the air! Carefully ladle the warm mulled wine into your favorite mug. You can strain out the fruit pieces or serve them along with the wine, depending on your preference. Pour yourself a mug, perhaps with a good book or good company, and enjoy this comforting drink. It’s not only perfect for warding off the cold but also makes a fantastic festive beverage. Your Vin Chaud is ready!
