Tis the Season for Vin Brulè: Italian Mulled Wine

Vin Brule Recipe and Christmas Traditions in Italy

Beginning in late November, Christmas markets (Mercatini di Natale) start popping up in piazzas all across Italy. The piazzas are cluttered with quaint, holly-decked vendors selling handcraft goods or tasty treats. Meanwhile, all across the cities and towns, twinkling lights adorn windows and storefronts, bakeries sell traditional panettone and pandoro cakes with mugs of melted cioccolata calda, hot chocolate, and massive Christmas trees are set up in front of major churches, such as the Duomo in Florence, Milan’s cathedral or in Venice’s Saint Mark’S square.

During the holiday season, Italians indulge in special festive foods. Savor a slice of panettone, a traditional Milanese sweet bread loaf with dried fruits, chocolate, or mascarpone filling. Taste Torrone, a honeyed nougat studded with nuts—perfect paired with hot chocolate ("cioccolata calda"). Or enjoy a glass of Vin Brule—Italy’s warm, spiced mulled wine, perfect for cold winter evenings.

What is Vin Brule? Italy’s Classic Mulled Wine

Vin Brule is Italy’s version of mulled wine—a fragrant, spiced drink that warms you from within. The name, derived from the French "vin brûlé" (meaning "burnt wine"), hints at its rich, comforting flavor. Italians have enjoyed vin brule since the Middle Ages, originally as a way to salvage spoiled wine and as a winter remedy.

Popular in northern Italy, especially during Christmas markets and festivals, vin brule is more than just a cozy drink; it’s also believed to boost immunity and soothe cold symptoms. Variations of the recipe exist across regions, making each version unique.Also like panettone, and most traditional Italian dishes, the recipe for vin brule varies ever so slightly from region to region, and even from city to city. If you can’t make it to Italy for Christmastime, or you enjoyed your glass of mulled wine and would like to bring a recipe back home with you for the holidays, then here is a recipe for "vin brule" you can try.

How to Make Authentic Italian Vin Brule at Home

Bring the flavors of Italy into your home with this traditional vin brule recipe. The total time of preparation is 20 minutes, with about 10 minutes for prep time and 10 minutes for actual cooking. This recipe can make up to 6 glasses of vin brule.

Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 large stainless steel pan

• 1 wooden spoon

• 1 bottle of red wine

• 8 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• A pinch of nutmeg

• 1 orange

• 1 lemon

• 1 apple

• 200g of sugar

Make sure to use organic fruit that have an untreated rind.

Instructions: How To Make Vin Brule

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Peel the orange and lemon. Discard the white parts to prevent a bitter aftertaste in the wine. Thinly slice the apple keeping the peel.

2. Put the apple, lemon, orange, sugar, and spices into the large, stainless steel pan. Let them simmer for a minute.

3. Pour the bottle of wine into the mix

4. Slowly and occasionally stir the ingredients as you bring it to a boil

5. Continue until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 10 minutes)

6. Filter the mulled wine with a colander, and pour into glasses or mugs. Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Experience Italy During the Holidays

Whether exploring festive markets, enjoying traditional foods, or sipping vin brule by the fireplace, Italy offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Incorporate these customs and recipes into your Christmas celebration, or plan a trip to Italy during the winter season to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Italian Christmas traditions.

Are you planning a trip to Italy? We can organize for you some amazing tours and experiences. Contact us!