Vin Brûlé

The Vin Brûlé has a warming, spiced, citrusy, rich, aromatic flavor profile. A traditional Italian mulled wine that warms the soul with aromatic spices and rich red wine. This beloved winter drink combines the robust flavors of wine with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus for a comforting and festive experience.

A Vin Brûlé requires 9 ingredients: Red wine, Orange, Lemon, Cinnamon sticks, Whole cloves, Star Anise, Bay Leaves, Honey, Sugar.

A Vin Brûlé takes about 25 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Vin Brûlé is traditionally served in a mug, garnished with Orange wheel and cinnamon stick.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Vin Brûlé by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

Vin Brûlé traces its roots to the Roman Empire, where soldiers would warm wine with spices to ward off the cold during winter campaigns. The practice evolved throughout medieval Europe, but Italy's northern regions – particularly Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d'Aosta, and Piedmont – truly perfected the art. The tradition became deeply embedded in Italian culture during the Renaissance, when merchants traveling Alpine trade routes relied on this warming elixir. The 'burnt' aspect historically came from the practice of heating a poker in fire until red-hot, then plunging it into the wine to instantly heat and slightly caramelize it. Modern Vin Brûlé became a staple at Italian Christmas markets in the 19th century, where vendors would simmer large cauldrons of spiced wine, filling the air with intoxicating aromas. Today, it remains an integral part of Italian winter celebrations, ski resort culture, and holiday traditions, with each region adding its own special touch – some include apple pieces, others prefer orange zest, and mountain areas might add a splash of grappa for extra warmth.