Hot Italian Mulled Wine - Vin Brulé for the Festive Season

Image courtesy of giallozafferano.it

Italian hot mulled wine or vin brulé (the Italians use the French word) is very popular in winter time, especially at Christmas markets and during the Festive Season and New Year's Eve. We will be making vin brulé when we get together with friends to celebrate the Winter Solstice solstizio d'inverno. The Winter Solstice in Italy and for the northern hemisphere, will be on the 21st December, this year.

Being in the countryside, therefore more aware of the rhythms of the seasons, I now understand why the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year, should be celebrated. It signals a powerful transition point between seasons and a great reason to get together with friends to celebrate that the days, from now on, will become longer.

To help you celebrate the forthcoming Festive Season and New Year with good cheer.... here is our recipe for Vin Brulé. Enjoy! 

Vin Brulé
Serves approx. 50 glasses 
Ingredients: 
5 litres of dry red wine ( we used the local red grape called 'Sangiovese')
1/2 litre of orange juice
125 g sugar (according to taste)
8 cloves
15g cinnamon sticks (about 5)
1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
2  or 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced

Method:
1. Pour wine and orange juice into a large saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well.
2. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg powder  and thinly sliced oranges to the wine. Stir.
3. Heat gently for about 15 to 20 minutes without allowing the mixture to boil. Stir occasionally and taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if desired.
4. Serve vin brulé warm or hot  (in heat-resistant glasses).
Enjoy!

Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

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www.winetoursrome.com