Gluhwein recipe is a Hot German Wine that is enjoyed in Europe, usually during cold winter months, and during Christmas. It's like Christmas in a cup! A Mulled wine is the popular English name for this drink, but it has many names across the world.
One of my first jobs I ever had was working at the local ski hill, in a Swiss restaurant. After a long day of skiing in the freezing cold, people would come in to warm up with a glass of Glühwein, and sit beside a roaring fire. You could smell the Glühwein wafting throughout the air all day. A welcoming smell for your guests! A perfect way to warm up from the inside out.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cozy and Warming - a perfect festive drink to enjoy during the holidays or just a night in beside the fireplace
- Easy - made in just a few steps with simple instructions
- Make Ahead Friendly - prepare in advance and reheat as needed
- Versatile - with many tips to customize, adjust sweetness, spices or even use non-alcoholic red wine
Ingredients
- Red Wine
- Oranges
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Whole Cloves
- Star Anise (optional)
- Sugar
- Water
- Liquor - optional Rum, Brandy, Vodka or Grand Marnier
How to Make Gluhwein
The most important thing to remember when making Gluhwein is to slowly heat the wine, without boiling. Pro tip: When the mulled wine has simmered, you can transfer it to your coffee pot to keep warm.
- Prepare - slice 1 Orange and squeeze juices from the other Orange.
- Combine - pour Red Wine and all the ingredients into a pot. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer - gently heat mixture over a very low heat until steaming - and warm for about 10 minutes allowing to infuse. Don't allow it to boil.
- Strain - pour Gluhwein through a mesh strainer to remove spices and fruit.
- Serve - ladle into mugs or heat proof glasses and garnish with a Cinnamon Stick. Enjoy in moderation.
Gluhwein Variations
- White Gluhwein - substitute Red Wine for a Dry White Wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or a dry Riesling. Reduce sugar to balance flavors.
- Kinderpunsch - often served for children in Germany. Substitute with your favorite juices like Grape Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Cranberry Juice or Apple Juice.
- Fruity Mulled Wine - add slices of Apple, Pear, Cranberries, Cherries or Blackberries.
- Alcohol Free Gluhwein - substitute with non-alcoholic red wine sold in most supermarkets.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
- Prepare - slice 1 Orange and squeeze juices from the other Orange.
- Combine - pour Red Wine and all the ingredients into Slow Cooker. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Set Slow Cooker - cover with lid and set on low. Allow to steep for 1 ½-2 hours.
- Strain and Serve - strain the spices and fruit before ladling into mugs. Garnish with Cinnamon Stick.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Low and Slow - Don't allow the Gluhwein to boil but gently warm
- Mesh Tea Strainer - Use a metal mesh tea strainer when ladling wine into your glasses to strain spices (like when making loose leaf tea)
- Add Flavorful Liqueurs - add a splash of Cointreau, Elderflower Liqueur, Blackcurrant Cassis Liqueur, Raspberry Chambord Liqueur, Cherry Liqueur
- Extra Liquids - If simmering for a few hours, add 2 cups of water to keep your wine volume, and adjust liquor, adding extra wine if needed
- Serving Cups - serve in ceramic mugs or heat resistant glasses. Do not serve in traditional wine glasses.
Best Wine for Gluhwein
Any Red Table Wine works like Merlot, Cabernet or Pinot Noir - lighter or medium bodied wines are best. It doesn't need to be fancy or expensive as the Spices will overshadow any of the delicate notes in the wine. You can also use fruit wines like Cherry Wine, Blackberry or Blueberry Wine.
Mulled Wine Spices
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Whole Cloves
- Star Anise
- Citrus Zest (or Citrus slices)
- Ground Nutmeg (but will need to strain through cheesecloth if adding this spice)
- Cardamom
Gluhwein Serving Suggestions
- Baked Brie with Jam
- Stollen - Fruit Bread
- Swiss Cheese Fondue
- Cheese Platter
- Grilled Raclette
- Appetizers - Caramelized Onion Dip or Crab and Artichoke Dip
It's a perfect drink for the holidays or during the cold winter months. Hot German Wine has a delicious spiced aroma will fill the whole house. Whether you call it Glögg, Quentão, Vin Chaud or Глинтвейн (Glintwein), wherever you are in the world, enjoy responsibly! Prost! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Red wine
- 2 Oranges one for slices, other for juice
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 5-6 Whole Cloves
- 1 Star Anise optional
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- Liquor to taste optional
Instructions
- Prepare - slice 1 Orange and squeeze juices from the other Orange.
- Combine - pour Red Wine and all the ingredients into a pot. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer - gently heat mixture over a very low heat until steaming - and warm for about 10 minutes allowing to infuse. Don't allow it to boil.
- Strain - pour Gluhwein through a mesh strainer to remove spices and fruit.
- Serve - ladle into mugs or heat proof glasses and garnish with a Cinnamon Stick. Enjoy in moderation.
Notes
©PetersFoodAdventures.com *updated December 2024
Shannon
Do you have a recipe for the white glüwein? I can't remember what it's real name is but it is sold at all the Christmas markets in Germany when they sell the Glüwein.
Peter Kolesnichenko
Hi Shannon, I don't, but it's a recipe I plan to add next year. It's often called Weißer Glühwein.
Johann
Perfect for the colder months. I added a star anise to the mix, so tasty!
Rotwein
You have a blood orange tree??? Soooo envious! Looking forward to the recipes with the oranges!
PetersFoodAdventures
Haha! This year we juiced most of them! It was my first real big crop! However, so stuff is in the works! ????