Authentic French Alpine Vin Chaud

For a truly authentic French Alpine Vin Chaud experience, here’s a classic recipe that leans toward the French style—simple, aromatic, and subtly spiced. This version is designed to recreate the cozy, warming experience of sipping mulled wine at a ski lodge in the French Alps.

Ingredients

  • Wine Base:

    • 1 bottle of young, fruity red wine (such as Beaujolais, Gamay, or Pinot Noir)

    • 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional, but traditional for an extra warming touch)

  • Spices & Aromatics:

    • 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)

    • 1 lemon peel strip (optional, for added brightness)

    • 2 cinnamon sticks

    • 4-5 whole cloves

    • 1-2 star anise (optional but common in some French recipes)

  • Sweetener:

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste; traditionally, French vin chaud is not overly sweet)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, pour in the bottle of red wine. Add the orange slices, lemon peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise (if using). Stir in the brandy or cognac, if desired, for an extra layer of warmth.

  2. Gently Heat the Wine: Heat the mixture over low to medium-low heat. Avoid boiling the wine, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate and make the wine taste “cooked.” Instead, warm it gently until it’s steaming and fragrant, about 15-20 minutes.

  3. Sweeten to Taste: Stir in 1/4 cup of sugar and taste the wine. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness. Traditional French vin chaud is mildly sweet, so adjust to taste.

  4. Serve: Once the wine is well-infused with the spices and aromatics, remove it from the heat. Strain the vin chaud to remove the spices and fruit if desired (some people enjoy leaving the orange slices in for garnish).

  5. Ladle the hot mulled wine into mugs: Garnish each mug with a fresh slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a beautiful, rustic touch.

  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately, savoring the aromatic, gently spiced flavors. Vin chaud is best enjoyed warm, in small sips, to fully appreciate the balance of the wine, citrus, and spices.

Tips for Authenticity

  • Use a Young, Light Red Wine: French vin chaud is traditionally made with an easy-drinking red like Beaujolais or Gamay, which is not too tannic or complex, allowing the spices and citrus to shine.

  • Keep the Spices Minimal: French-style mulled wine is typically more subtle than the spiced versions of Glühwein in Germany. Cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of orange are enough to keep it classic.

  • Serve in Mugs or Heatproof Glasses: For the true Alpine experience, vin chaud is served in mugs, sometimes with a slice of orange for garnish.

This simple yet beautifully aromatic vin chaud will transport you straight to the French Alps, capturing that warm, cozy feeling of après-ski in the mountains. Enjoy!