Vino Navegado is a comforting Chilean classic, perfect for those freezing winter nights. It is widely enjoyed in the countryside and the southern regions of Chile. Its name, which translates to “sailed wine,” comes from the orange slices that float or “navigate” like little boats in the wine as it cooks.
This drink was incredibly popular in the 1960s, especially among young people attending folk music gatherings called peñas. While other drinks like the terremoto (a sweet wine cocktail) have become more common at parties today, this spiced wine remains a beloved tradition. You can easily adjust the alcohol content by letting it boil longer; the more it simmers, the more the alcohol evaporates.
For the best results, I recommend using a Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or sweeteners once you get the hang of the basic recipe!
Chilean Vino Navegado (Mulled Wine)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 25 1/2 fl oz red wine 750 ml; Cabernet Sauvignon ideally
- 1 orange 1 orange; washed and cut into thin slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks 2 sticks
- 2 cloves whole cloves 2 cloves
- 1 cup brown sugar 200 g; if you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar works too
Instructions
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine all the ingredients: the wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to boil, then let it boil for 3 minutes. Serve the wine very hot with the orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and enjoy!
