Vin Chaud (French Mulled Wine)

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Cut or peel a strip of skin from the orange with a sharp paring knife or a vegetable peeler, approximately 1 x 5 inches in size. Save orange for another use.

3. Step 3

   Carefully remove as much of the white pith from the piece of zest as possible, since it will add bitterness to the wine.

4. Step 4

   Combine wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and peeled orange zest in a large saucepan over very low heat.

5. Step 5

   Heat mixture until it nearly reaches a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Do not allow wine to come to a boil, or alcohol will evaporate and the flavor of the vin chaud will be affected.

6. Step 6

   The wine will be at its optimal temperature when the sugar has dissolved and steam rises when mixing spoon is lifted from wine.

7. Step 7

   Maintain this temperature to keep wine warm and let wine steep with spices to develop flavor. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.

8. Step 8

   Strain wine through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander into a clean saucepan. Discard spices.

9. Step 9

   Cover pan and let vin chaud stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

10. Step 10

    Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cognac to 4 individual warmed mugs or heatproof glasses before ladling in the mulled wine.