glühwein german mulled wine recipe

The Best glühwein german mulled wine recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich flavors and aromas of traditional German glühwein, also known as mulled wine. This warm, spiced wine is a staple of German winter festivities, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make in large quantities, perfect for big family gatherings or holiday parties. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, with just a few ingredients and no added sugars. My kids adore it when I serve it at our annual Christmas party, and I love how it fills our home with the cozy scent of cinnamon and cloves during the chilly winter months.

Glühwein has its roots in medieval Germany, where it was served as a warm drink to keep people safe from the cold. Over time, it evolved into a delicious spiced wine that’s still enjoyed today.

The secret to its success lies in the perfect balance of spices and sweetness – trust me, I’ve experimented with countless variations! As for the technique, making glühwein is surprisingly easy: simply combine your favorite red wine with some sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a large pot or slow cooker.

Let it simmer until the flavors have melded together and the wine has reached your desired level of spiciness. One thing I appreciate about glühwein is how versatile it is – you can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a variety of sweet treats like cookies or cakes.

Glühwein German Mulled Wine

4.6 from 1664 votes

A classic German mulled wine made with red wine, citrus, and warm spices. This festive drink is perfect for cold winter nights and holiday markets.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Glühwein

1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup brandy or rum (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pour the red wine into a large saucepan.
2Add the sugar, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger.
3Stir gently to combine.
4Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5Do not let it boil, as boiling will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavor.
6Reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the spices infuse the wine.
7Remove the saucepan from the heat.
8If using brandy or rum, stir it in now.
9Strain the glühwein through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot or directly into mugs, discarding the solids.
10Ladle the hot glühwein into mugs.
11Garnish each with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick if desired.
12Serve immediately while warm.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Fine-mesh strainer
Mugs or heatproof glasses

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 10mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with red grape juice and apple cider. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar. The glühwein can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.

Watch Video Of How Glühwein German Mulled Wine Works

I always keep a bottle of red wine and a few cinnamon sticks in the house during winter so I can make glühwein anytime. It is such a simple recipe that feels fancy, and it works perfectly for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a quiet evening at home.

The leftovers store well in the fridge for a few days, and you can reheat it gently on the stove or in a slow cooker. I like to serve it in mugs with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

This glühwein recipe is a warm, comforting drink that brings a little bit of German tradition into your home, and it always gets compliments. Whether you are hosting a crowd or just want something cozy for yourself, this mulled wine is a wonderful choice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Glühwein German Mulled Wine

Q: What type of red wine should I use for glühwein?

For glühwein, you’ll want to choose a robust red wine with moderate acidity and tannins. Some good options include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir.

Q: Can I make glühwein without adding sugar?

Yes, you can definitely make glühwein without adding refined sugar! Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute it with honey or another natural sweetener.

Q: How long does glühwein keep in the fridge?

Glühwein will typically keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: Can I make glühwein without using a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker makes glühwein easy to prepare and set-it-and-forget-it convenient, you can also make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

Q: Is glühwein suitable for kids?

This depends on your child’s age and sensitivity to spices! If your child is old enough to enjoy wine safely (typically around 16 years old), you can try serving them a small amount of glühwein diluted with water or sparkling juice.

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