A popular Christmas and cold weather tradition in Italy is to make vin brulè, or mulled wine, especially on a cold winter's night. It is actually popular all throughout northern Europe.

Besides being able to warm you up nicely (brulè, in fact means burnt), it is also known to have therapeutic qualities. Many people swear that it can help you combat the common cold.

There are nearly as many recipes for Vin Brule as there are wines in Italy!

Our version is very different in that we use our Christmas Comfort Rooibos tea to infuse into the wine. We add a few teaspoons of raw honey and an orange twist. Our Christmas Comfort Rooibos has a perfect favor balance that imparts a particulary soft and round feel as well as all the festive spicyness needed for a mulled wine.

We are now offering Vin Brule at the Bistro. Come and warm up with us or try a tin of Christmas comfort and make your own at home:

Recipe:

1 bottle of fullbodied red wine (we use Barbera)

1/4 cup raw honey

2 tea bags of Christmas Comfort Rooibos Tea

In a large sauce pan bring the wine to a boil then add honey. Turn down heat and add two tea bags of Christmas Comfort Roiibos and simmer until fully infused. Pour into ceramic mugs and add an orage twist to each mug. Give thanks and enjoy!