Hot Spiced Wine with Cognac

Posted by Chris on November 23, 2007

yum! This one has cognac in it.

John Frizell of Bon Appetit (the BA Blog) waxes historical and shares his warmth with this hot spiced wine recipe that includes cognac. Give it a shot (no pun intended). I think the strangest thing about the recipe is that he suggests bringing the spiced wine to a boil, which is generally a no-no as it causes the alcohol to evaporate. What is this? Is it all about flavor now?!

Vino Caliente del Refugio (adapted from chef Marcel Oliver, Refugio del Montaña—Ushuaia, Argentina)

Juice and zest (peeled in strips) of one orange, plus extra orange juice
5 oz. brown sugar
1 750 ml. bottle Malbec (or other hearty red wine)
5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
4 oz. cognac

Combine 1 cup orange juice and sugar in a large saucepan and stir to combine. Add wine and bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add cloves, cinnamon, and orange zest. Let rest for 30 minutes. Add a splash of Cognac, and strain. Reheat and serve very warm, or bottle—the wine will be better if it’s left to rest for five days or more.

Enjoy!