Vin Brulé – Italian Mulled Wine

In Italy, as in many other European countries, Christmas is not complete without mulled wine. In Italy, mulled wine is called Vin Brulé.

See the recipes here.

Recipe Vin Brulé - Italian Mulled Wine

Spiced and steaming hot, Vin Brulé sets the perfect mood for visitors at a Christmas market. Or for a cozy gathering on a cold winter's day – also in Italy.

Recipe for Vin Brulé

Servings: 6 cups

Ingredients for Vin Brulé – Italian Mulled Wine

1 bottle red wine – preferably Barbera
1 organic orange
1 organic lemon
1-2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cloves
2 cardamom pods
2.5 dl sugar
6 cl Brandy - preferably Vecchia Romagna Brandy

How to make Vin Brulé

Rinse the orange and lemon and peel the zest from both, using a paring knife or a peeler. Be careful not to get too much of the white pith. It will extract bitter substances into the Vin Brulé. Place the peels in a heavy-bottomed pot, add sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and red wine. Heat everything to a boil and then let it simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add the brandy. Stir the finished Vin Brulé and strain everything through a sieve or cloth. Serve immediately.

Christmas Markets in Tuscany

If you want to experience the authentic Christmas spirit in Italy, I can recommend visiting Tuscany around Christmas and New Year. Here, everything is decorated according to all the rules of art. You will find, for example, nativity scenes in almost all churches, Christmas markets in all major cities, and fantastic traditional Italian "Christmas food" served from stalls and in most restaurants. And while you're there, buy a few Christmas gifts to take home – that way you're sure to find something truly unique.

Vin Brulé – Italian mulled wine on a cold December day