Mulled Wine (Vin Brulé)
Category: Beverages
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Wine | 1 liter |
| Sugar | 100 g |
| Lemon Peel | 1 |
| Orange Peel | 1 |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 2 |
| Cloves | 8 |
| Juniper Berries | 5 |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Sugars | ~25 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by carefully preparing all the spices and citrus peel. For the lemon peel, use a vegetable peeler or knife to slice it thinly, ensuring you avoid the bitter white pith. Do the same for the orange peel. The goal is to only get the aromatic, flavorful zest, not the bitter parts of the fruit.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan or a shallow pot with higher edges (to prevent spilling when the liquid simmers), add the sugar first. Then, add the cinnamon sticks, juniper berries, cloves, and the star anise. Follow up by adding the citrus peel from both the lemon and the orange. These ingredients will be the base of your mulled wine’s aromatic profile, contributing warm, spicy, and citrusy flavors.
Step 3: Pour in the Wine
Pour in the red wine—make sure to choose a full-bodied variety like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel, as these wines can withstand the heating process and will maintain their flavor well. Once the wine is in the pot, stir gently to mix the sugar and spices evenly.
Step 4: Heat the Mixture
Place the pot over medium heat, slowly bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be sure to avoid boiling, as boiling wine will alter the flavor. Allow the wine to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sugar dissolve completely and infuse the spices and citrus zest into the wine. The goal is to create a comforting, aromatic liquid that’s rich in flavor but not overpowering.
Step 5: Flame the Wine (Optional)
Once the wine has simmered and the sugar has dissolved, carefully ignite the alcohol content using a long match, a lighter, or a kitchen torch. Hold the flame near the surface of the wine to catch the vapor. The alcohol will catch fire briefly. Allow it to burn until the flames die down naturally. This step adds a slightly caramelized note to the mulled wine, enhancing its depth of flavor. Please use caution when doing this, as working with an open flame can be dangerous. It’s crucial to let the fire extinguish entirely before proceeding.
Step 6: Strain the Wine
After the flames have gone out and the mulled wine has cooled slightly, it’s time to strain it. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out all the solid spices and citrus peels, leaving behind only the warm, infused wine. This ensures a smooth, clean drink.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice if desired. Enjoy the deep, rich flavors of this traditional, warming beverage.
Tips & Variations
- Wine Choice: While a robust red wine is ideal, feel free to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste. A dry wine tends to balance the sweetness of the sugar and spices well.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with grape juice or apple cider. You can still follow the same recipe for the spices and achieve a flavorful result without the alcohol.
- Sweetener Variations: If you’d prefer a lighter sweetness, consider using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a more nuanced, natural sweetness.
- Infusion Time: For a more intense flavor, let the mulled wine simmer for longer, but always ensure that the temperature doesn’t reach a boil, as that could burn off too much alcohol and alter the flavor.
This Vin Brulé is perfect for cozy winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a warming drink. The blend of rich wine, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus will make you feel both festive and relaxed. Enjoy it with friends or family, and share the warmth!
