Simple Gluhwein (Mulled Wine) Recipe
Can’t say no to Gluhwein on winter days! Gluhwein is a traditional mulled wine made from red wine, oranges, and spices that is perfect for winter, especially during Christmas. Making it is very easy! Let’s try making Gluhwein right at home with this simple recipe.
Table of Contents
What is Gluhwein?
Gluhwein (Glühwein to be exact in German, pronounced “gloo-vine”) is a traditional hot, spiced wine commonly enjoyed in Europe during the winter months, especially at Christmas markets. Originating from Germany, Glühwein quickly became popular across Europe and was localized with names and ingredients adjusted to suit the tastes of each region. The name “Glühwein” translates to “glow wine,” referring to the glowing hot irons originally used to heat the drink.
The typical ingredients of Glühwein are red wine, oranges, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, sometimes with the addition of rum. Additionally, there are variations of Glühwein that use fruit wines instead of grape wines or use white wine.
Gluhwein recipe
Here is a simple Glühwein recipe that you can make at home to enjoy this charming drink on cold winter days:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml – 25.4 fl oz)
- 1 large orange
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2-4 star anise pods
- 1-4 tbsp sugar/ honey/ maple syrup
- 3-4 cloves (optional)
- 4 tbsp rum/ liquor (optional)
If you want to enhance the alcohol content and flavor of Glühwein, you can choose your favorite type of rum or liquor to add. As for spices, you can adjust them to your liking, but it’s best to include at least 1-2 types such as cinnamon and star anise.
Besides, also prepare some more orange slices and spices such as cinnamon sticks and star anise for decoration. Your glass of gluhwein will be much more interesting!
How to Make Gluhwein
Step 1. Slicing the Orange
- Slice the orange horizontally. You can cut thick or thin slices as you prefer, but slice a few thin ones and set them aside for garnish.
Step 2. Cooking the Gluhwein
- Place the orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into a pot (photo 1). Add the red wine and rum/liquor (photo 2). Heat over medium heat until the wine is just simmering. Avoid letting it boil vigorously as it may alter the wine’s flavor. Lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3-4 hours. Finally, add sugar, honey, or maple syrup and stir well.
Step 3. Serving
- Ladle the hot wine into cups and garnish with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Serve while warm. To keep the wine warm for longer, use insulated cups or a candle warmer.
Simple Gluhwein (Mulled Wine)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine 750ml – 25.4 fl oz
- 1 large orange
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2-4 star anise pods
- 1-4 tbsp sugar/ honey/ maple syrup
- 4 tbsp rum/ liquor optional
- Garnishes: cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, orange slices optional
Instructions
Step 1. Slicing the Orange
- Slice the orange horizontally. You can cut thick or thin slices as you prefer, but slice a few thin ones and set them aside for garnish.
Step 2. Cooking the Gluhwein
- Place the orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into a pot (photo 1). Add the red wine and rum/liquor (photo 2). Heat over medium heat until the wine is just simmering. Avoid letting it boil vigorously as it may alter the wine’s flavor. Lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3-4 hours. Finally, add sugar, honey, or maple syrup and stir well.
Step 3. Serving
- Ladle the hot wine into cups and garnish with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Serve while warm. To keep the wine warm for longer, use insulated cups or a candle warmer.
Nutrition
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