The Good Life France Magazine November 2014 | Page 54

Vin Chaud - Slow-steeped Alsace Style

Food writer Felice Forby takes a look at the history of mulled wine and the perfect French vin chaud recipe…

Hot, mulled wine or “vin chaud” in French, dates back centuries to Roman times and in France, it’s become a traditional Christmas and winter warmer. In Alsace in northeastern France, you’ll find vin chaud being made in huge kettles at the famous open-air Christmas Markets. People drink it while wandering around the market to stay warm, or enjoy it nibbling some of the traditional market fare such as spiced Christmas cookies called bredele, Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée), local spiced sausages or even crepes. People also brew their own vin chaud at home where it’s often served on its own to warm up on a chilly afternoon or after dinner with a spiced biscuit.