Chilean Navegado is a traditional hot mulled wine, especially popular during the cold months and around national holidays like Fiestas Patrias (September 18th). Its name comes from navegar (to sail), referring to the floating citrus slices that "sail" in the pot as the drink warms.
It's served steaming hot in mugs or clay cups and is deeply tied to cozy, nostalgic evenings—often shared with empanadas, sopaipillas, or pan amasado. It resembles European mulled wine but keeps a strong Chilean identity through its use of local wine and distinctive orange-forward flavor.
Best Chilean wines for Navegado:
You want a medium-bodied, fruity red that's not too tannic and holds up to heat and spices. You don't need an expensive bottle since the wine will be sweetened and infused. Some of the best Chilean wines to use include:
- Carmenere: Chile's flagship grape, smooth and earthy with plum and berry notes that pair well with cinnamon and clove.
- Merlot: Soft and fruity, ideal for a mellow, easy-drinking navegado.
- Pais: One of Chile's oldest grapes, with rustic and bright flavors, perfect for a more traditional or historical version.
- Cabernet Sauvignon (young): Choose a less oaky, fruitier style to avoid bitterness.
- Syrah: If you like a spicier base, Syrah's peppery character complements the cloves and cinnamon well.
Use Chilean labels like Concha y Toro, Carmen, Santa Rita, Emiliana, or Casillero del Diablo, which are affordable wines with good body and flavor.
Always heat gently, don't boil, to preserve the aromas and alcohol.
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Navegado Chilean Mulled Wine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Chilean
Description
A traditional cosy winter drink.
Ingredients
- 2 bottles (1.5 L) Chilean red wine
- 1 orange, navel best
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 - 1 ½ cups sugar, or more to taste
Instructions
- Slice the orange into thick (⅓-inch) rounds. Insert the cloves into the rind of the orange slices.
- Combine the orange slices, red wine, cinnamon, and sugar in a medium pot.
- Cook on medium-high until it starts bubbling, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot in mugs with or without the oranges and cinnamon sticks.
