Around the World in 5 Mulled Wines

Mulled wine is a beloved holiday tradition enjoyed across the globe, warming us up and filling our homes with delightful, spiced aromas. While the base of mulled wine is usually red wine, every culture has its own unique twist on the recipe. From the traditional French "vin chaud" to Argentina's "clericot" version, here are five mulled wine recipes from around the world that bring distinct flavors to the table.

France: Vin Chaud

France's version of mulled wine, called "vin chaud," is a popular drink during the cold winter months, especially in the ski resorts of the French Alps. The wine is spiced with a mix of traditional French flavors, including orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (a robust French red like Bordeaux or Côtes du Rhône works well)

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cloves

• 1 star anise

• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 shot of brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sugar.

2. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Once the mixture is warm (but not boiling), lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. If desired, add a shot of brandy for extra warmth.

5. Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Canada: Canadian Mulled Wine (Hot Spiced Wine)

In Canada, mulled wine is a popular drink to enjoy during the long winters, especially around the holidays. Canadian versions of mulled wine often feature maple syrup, a nod to the country’s iconic maple products, adding a unique sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Shiraz works well)

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 cup brandy or dark rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the wine, maple syrup, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

3. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the wine.

4. Add brandy or dark rum if desired, and stir.

5. Serve in mugs or heatproof glasses with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

India: Mulled Wine with Chai Spices

India's version of mulled wine combines the warming spices of traditional chai tea with the rich depth of red wine. This aromatic drink is perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or after a spicy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (preferably something full-bodied, like a Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 1/4 cup honey or jaggery (for an Indian touch)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed

• 4 cloves

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• 1 star anise

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the wine, honey, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, star anise, and orange slices in a saucepan.

2. Heat over medium heat until the wine is warm but not boiling.

3. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse all the spices.

4. Add dark rum if desired for extra depth.

5. Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Argentina: Clericot (Mulled Wine with a Twist)

In Argentina, a twist on traditional mulled wine is made with white wine and a mix of fresh fruits, creating a lighter, fruitier version of the warm drink. This version is often served during the summer months around Christmas, but it can also be enjoyed in winter for a refreshing yet warming alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (preferably a fruity wine like Torrontés or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 1/2 cup brandy

• 1 apple, sliced

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 star anise

• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup sparkling water (optional, for a fizzy kick)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the white wine, brandy, and cinnamon sticks.

2. Add the sliced apple, orange, pomegranate seeds, and pineapple chunks, and stir gently.

3. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours so the fruit flavors infuse the wine.

4. Before serving, add honey or sugar to taste.

5. For a fizzy twist, add sparkling water just before serving.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra fruit slices and a cinnamon stick.

Japan: Spiced Plum Wine Mulled Wine

In Japan, "umeshu" (plum wine) is often served as a sweet, fruity alternative to regular wine. This recipe combines the fruity flavor of ume (Japanese plum) wine with traditional mulled spices, creating a unique and fragrant version of mulled wine.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of ume (plum) wine

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks

• 4-5 cloves

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 star anise

• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)

• 1/4 cup sake (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the ume wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and star anise.

2. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm but not boiling.

3. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes so the spices infuse the plum wine.

4. Add honey or sugar to taste, and stir until dissolved.

5. For extra depth, you can add a splash of sake just before serving.

6. Serve warm in mugs or glasses with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Whether you prefer the spiced warmth of France’s vin chaud, the maple-infused richness of Canada’s hot spiced wine, the chai-inspired warmth of India’s mulled wine, the fruity brightness of Argentina’s clericot, or Japan’s unique spiced plum wine, there’s a mulled wine recipe for every palate. This holiday season, try one (or all) of these international twists to warm up your spirits and toast to good company!