adventures of an american housewife in the south of france

Hump Day: Vin Chaud

About two months ago I started getting really annoyed that there was no apple cider here.  Not hot, not cold, not anything.  I whined about it a lot (just ask Michael).  I finally bit the bullet and just made my own hot apple cider on the stove whenever the craving hit, and I managed to get through the fall without too many tears. And now it's December and Vin Chaud entered my life, and I could give a flying flip about apple cider.

fancy booth for vin chaud

Vin Chaud is hot, spiced wine and it's one of my favorite things about the holidays.  Back in the States, you can certainly find this festive drink out and about, but here in France it's everywhere.  And I couldn't be happier!

piping hot! these stands are all over the place.

another stand, about 2 feet away

Most of the cities throughout France have their own Marché de Noël, or Christmas market, and I've now been to the one in Annecy and here in Montpellier (more on both of those coming soon!).   The highlight of the markets, for me at least, is the many, many, many booths selling Vin Chaud.  Usually made with red or white wine, sugar, oranges, lemons, cinnamon, and cloves, you can also add brandy and/or vanilla if you want to make it extra special.  Personally, I prefer the red Vin Chaud with more spice than sweetness.  It's the perfect accompaniment to outdoor Christmas shopping.  I hardly want December to end!

my first vin chaud of the season in Annecy

One Response to “Hump Day: Vin Chaud”

  1. Laura says:

    I found that in London and Ireland, mulled wine is all the rage during the holiday season. They do hot cider as well, but I’ve become quite obsessed with hot spicy wine and order it whenever it’s available. I wonder how it compares to Vin Chaud?

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