Glühwein (German mulled wine)
Glühwein (also called ‘glow wine’) is a Christmas, New Year’s, and cold weather favorite among Germans and Austrians. Barely warmed and emboldened with spices, orange, and a little sugar, this festive drink is a great one to have for a winter party, or even after a long time spent in the cold snow. The warmth of the mulled wine will help you ‘glow’ afterwards.
Tips and Tricks
Does it matter what wine I use?
While you don’t want to use the cheapest wine available, you also don’t really want to use your most expensive bottles. Somewhere in between (something you enjoy sipping on, but not your ultimate favorite) would be a great pick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat the Glühwein on low heat per the instructions below until warm again.
Can I change the kind/amount of spices?
The great thing about German mulled wine is that there are multiple recipes and ways of making it. Small call for oranges. Others lemon. Some ask for cloves, others not at all. Some ask for star anise too.
The recipe below is a basic one that you can adapt as you need. Taste test as you warm it on the stove and adjust as necessary.
Does this have to be done on the stove?
Glühwein would be a wonderful beverage to heat in a crock pot. Since you don’t want the mixture to boil, you can heat it so it’s warm on the low setting for a couple of hours. Then, if you have a ‘keep warm’ setting, use that to keep it warm, but not piping hot.
Ingredients:
2 750ml bottles of dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.)
1 orange, zested and sliced
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
8 - 1 0 whole cloves
1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional - for an added ‘kick’)
Directions:
Pour the red wine into a large pot and heat on the stove over low heat. Add the orange slices, orange zest, sugar, cinnamons sticks, cloves, and rum or brandy (if using). Stir gently to help the sugar dissolve. Heat for at least an hour.
The key to making mulled wine is to be sure not to let the wine come to a boil (otherwise the alcohol will evaporate). Keep an eye on it to be sure this doesn’t happen and lower the heat if necessary. Taste often to be sure everything tastes the way you want it to.
When you’re ready to serve, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and serve in heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!