Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)
In short: Dry red wine warmed gently with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and orange, sweetened to taste, the hot drink of German Christmas markets. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 135 kcal
Glühwein is the hot spiced red wine sold at German Christmas markets, served in mugs to warm cold hands. Red wine is heated gently with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and orange, then sweetened to taste. The rule is never to boil it, since too much heat drives off the alcohol and makes the spices bitter. Serve it steaming hot, with a slice of orange.
Instructions
- Pour the wine and orange juice into a stainless steel or enamel pot. Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange zest and lemon peel.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to about 75°C (170°F), when steam rises and tiny bubbles form at the edge, but it is not simmering.
- Keep the wine at that temperature for 20 minutes so the spices infuse. Do not let it boil.
- Taste and add a spoon more sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Strain through a fine sieve into heatproof mugs, adding a tablespoon of rum to each if you like. Garnish with an orange slice and serve hot.
Tips
- Use whole spices. Ground spices cloud the wine and leave a gritty texture. Peel the zest with a vegetable peeler and leave the bitter white pith behind.
- Choose an inexpensive, fruity, low-tannin red. Save good wine for drinking, since the spices mask its finer notes.
Questions and answers
Can I make Glühwein ahead or keep it warm?
Yes. Keep it in a slow cooker on the lowest setting, or in a pot below 75°C (170°F), for up to 2 hours. Do not let it boil.
What wine is best for Glühwein?
An inexpensive, fruity, dry red wine with soft tannins, such as a young Merlot. Very tannic or oaky wines turn harsh when heated.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes. Kinderpunsch is made the same way with red grape juice, or a mix of apple and cherry juice, and the same spices.
How long does it take to make Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)?
About 30 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)?
About 135 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 135 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
