Glühwein - German Mulled Wine
A warm, spiced mulled wine that's a staple of German Christmas markets and holiday gatherings. Made with red wine, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness, Glühwein is the perfect drink to sip on chilly winter evenings. Cozy, aromatic, and festive, it's a must-have for the holiday season!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750ml dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
- 1/4 cup 50g brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 6 star anise
- 1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Peel of 1 orange use a vegetable peeler for large strips
- Optional: 1/4 cup 60ml rum or brandy
Instructions
Prepare the spices:
- In a medium pot, combine the star anise, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel.
Add the wine and sugar:
- Pour the red wine into the pot over the spices and orange peel. Stir in the brown sugar, adjusting to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
Heat gently:
- Place the pot over low to medium heat. Warm the wine slowly, but do not let it boil. Boiling can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor.
Infuse the flavors:
- Once the wine is warm (about 10-15 minutes), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld.
Add optional spirits:
- If you’re adding rum or brandy, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Serve:
- Strain the Glühwein through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange peel. Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
Enjoy:
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy. Sip and savor the festive vibes!
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with grape juice or cranberry juice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!