Nothing says Christmas like the smell of cinnamon and other spices. And nothing keeps you warmer as you stroll the French Christmas markets than a "vin chaud," so here's our recipe to enjoy in your home, smells, warmth and Christmas twinkle.

Ingredients

For 6 people:

  • 1 bottle of red wine (like Pinot noir)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • some lemon and orange zests
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 cloves
  • a short piece of fresh ginger
  • a pinch of grated nutmeg
  • orange slices for decoration

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients except the orange slices into a pot and bring to a gentle boil for 5 minutes.
  • Take out the spices, and serve hot, adding an orange slice to each glass for decoration.

Vin chaud - Mulled wine

Delicious vin chaud - © Pixabay

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Ellen & Ray
This was the best trip to France we have ever been on! It was the second trip that Emilie and Laura at France Just for You set up for us. The first was a trip around Provence, which we loved so much that we asked them to set up our second trip to the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris. Both trips were tailored to our interests - food, wine, art …
Robert & Karen
Anyone planning a trip to France, whether for the first time or for the twelfth (like me), will benefit from the fabulous itinerary that Emilie can craft for you. My husband and I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in the Medoc and the Loire Valley that Emilie planned for us: top-notch historic B&Bs with character, charming friendly hosts and sumptuous …
Duncan & Myrna
This is our second trip with France Just for You. The expertly organized trip we experienced the first time, brought us back again. The B&Bs and the activities planned for us were diverse and totally enjoyable! Picnic in an active winery in harvest, cooking in a French kitchen, dune buggy ride in the vineyards at the base of Mont Ventoux all …
David
It was the best tour ever! Laura did an amazing job to deliver painless and excellent planning and arrangements. Everything promised was delivered and included much more than would normally be seen without ‘INSIDR’ tips. It is obvious that Emilie and Laura have put a lot of thought and effort into the tours they offer. We definitely recommend …
Kellie
I have yet another 5-star review to leave because Emilie's trip planning is just that - exceptional! We do not do big trips often and did not have hours to spend online trying to find the perfect B&Bs and restaurants to fit our preferences. Over the course of a few emails, Emilie collected our requests and pieced together an itinerary that was …
Don
We heard about Emilie from a friend who used her travel services twice. They spoke so highly of her we figured we had to visit France just to meet her. We traveled to the Loire Valley with another couple and she interviewed us separately to understand what we wanted to see and do and what we didn’t want to do. As a result, she designed a perfect …