In Piemonte, a northern region at the foot of the Italian Alps, winter isn't complete without vin brulé. Spiced and steaming, the mulled wine is a staple of outdoor Christmas markets, where shoppers brave the cold for festive gifts, and cozy dinner parties alike.
In the name of the new year (okay, and dropping temperatures), we asked our beverage experts for their warming recipe. You can follow it to a T, but feel free to get creative and add spices to taste — the "recipe" is even more traditional that way!
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6 people
Preparation time
40 minutes
Vin Brulé(Mulled Wine)
1 (750-milliliter) bottle wine (preferably Barbera or other less-tannic red)
1 orange
1 lemon
1-2 anise stars
2 sticks cinnamon
2 cloves
2 cardamom seeds
1 cup sugar
6 ounces Vecchia Romagna Brandy
Rinse the orange and lemon, and then remove the rinds, leaving the white inner peel. Place the fruit aside (or enjoy as a mid-mulling snack).
Combine the citrus rinds with all other ingredients except brandy in a large pot, and heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Just before the wine reaches boiling point (200°F), remove from the heat.
Let the wine infuse, covered and off the heat, for at least 20 minutes, and then stir in the brandy. Strain, and serve. Pro tip: add a twist of orange or lemon wedge to your glass for a festive garnish!
