A Traditional Vin Chaud Recipe
Vin chaud is our go-to tipple on a cold winter's day. Sweet, warm, comforting and perfect on or off the slopes.
Literally translated as "hot wine" and somewhat comparable to mulled wine. Vin chaud is made by heating red wine with sugar and adding a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. The result is a warm, comforting drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter's day.
Depending on personal preference you might wish to give your vin chaud a little kick. Popular choices include brandy, kirsch, rum, Cointreau and even Amaretto. These spirits can be added to the wine before heating, or they can be added after the wine has been heated and the spices have been infused.
Below we share our traditional "purist" recipe but feel free to experiment and find your own perfect vin chaud.
Pure Morzine’s Winter Warmer Vin Chaud Recipe
Ingredients
1 bottle of red wine (doesn't need to be fancy)
125g light brown sugar
Orange zest
Lemon zest
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove
- 1 star anise
- A few slices of fresh ginger
- A pinch of grated nutmeg
- 1 orange, sliced (to serve)
It's best to serve vin chaud in mugs or glasses with a handle, as the container will get hot.
How to make it:
- Pour the wine into a saucepan along with the sugar, zest and spices
- Turn on the heat and stir to make sure the sugar dissolves.
- Let the wine come just to bubbling point.
- Turn off the heat, put the lid on and let it all infuse together for 30 minutes.
- Strain the wine using a fine sieve or muslin.
- Add an orange slice to each mug and serve.
Santé!