Most European countries have their variation of the British mulled wine, a drink made with red wine and spices, served hot during winter. Northern Italy’s version, popular around Christmas and especially at Christmas markets, is called Vin Brulé (from the French word brûlé, burnt).
The practice of mulling wine goes back to medieval times, probably as a way to use up low quality or spoiled wines. Mulled wine has then remained popular as a comforting winter drink and as a remedy for colds and cases of flu. Its curative effects have then found confirmation in the anti-inflammatory properties of red wine and in the high content of antiseptics and antioxidants of cloves and cinnamon.
As far as the recipe goes, many variations can be found, although they all revolve around similar ingredients. The main difference between mulled wine and vin brulé is in the preparation. Vin brulé is usually boiled until no alcohol remains (a process sometimes accelerated by lighting a flame on the surface). Mulled wine instead is only warmed up for a short amount of time and at lower temperatures to preserve the alcoholic content of the wine. Occasionally, a shot of brandy or sherry is also added at the end for an extra bite.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of red wine (any full-bodied wine will do, choose an inexpensive bottle)
- 200 g of sugar
- 8 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange (preferably with untreated rind)
- 1 lemon (also preferably with untreated rind)
Preparation
- Peel the lemon and the orange making sure to discard all of the white part as it would bring an undesired bitterness.
- Put all the ingredients in a large stainless steel pan.
- Bring to a boil stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Ensure all of the sugar is perfectly dissolved.
- As soon as it boils, the alcohol vapors will start to form. By using a long toothpick, carefully light a flame on the surface.
- When the flame goes out, the vin brulé is ready. Filter it with a colander and serve hot.
Viva il vin brule' ! It is one of my passions. I like the alcoholic version even if it is dangerous as it gets me drunk every time 😉
I love vin brulé… it's perfect, since it starts to be cold outside!
I've heard of mulled wine but never knew how it's made. Sounds very holiday like. 🙂
Thanks for your comments! Happy holidays, everyone.
I've tried several recipes of mulled wine and I am certain to try your recipe as well. I look forward to seeing more wine recipes.
I could use a glass right now …
To light up the Holiday spirit I am making this again today and thinking of you and Candace too!
I've had this stuff at xmas markets in northern Italy and I'm pretty sure there was still alcohol in it.. Also an italian friend showed how to prepare it, and while for sure it was simmering for a while, there still was plenty of bite to it!
Another classic from the xmas markets was parampampoli (not sure if that's correctly spelled), an espresso drink with grappa and spices added, delicious!