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Gluhwein – German Mulled Wine for #SundaySupper

Gluhwein aka Glühwein - German Mulled Wine | Magnolia Days

Bring on the holiday parties! It’s a season of cheer and merriment so we might as well have some fun. What better way than to celebrate with family and friends? Oh, and there are co-workers too. Sometimes I forget about company holiday parties. It has been a few years since I went to one of those. Anyway, one sure way to get festive and warm up at the same time is with Gluhwein (or Glühwein as spelled in German).

The first time I had Gluhwein was in Germany. It was when I went on a trip there with my mother. We went in February for her birthday. One thing for sure, it is darn cold there in February. I think the “warmest” day there was a whopping 33 degrees. We went shopping one day in Nurmberg and I was chilled to the bone. Luckily we spotted some Glühwein. The hot mulled wine warmed me up in a flash.

I had to have some on my recent trip there. It was about the same scenario – a cold day walking around Regensburg. My mom saw a sign in a window and we immediately went in to get some. Oh how it hit the spot again. I knew I would have to make some after I returned home. Then I could enjoy it with some of my annual treats like spiced pecans.

The recipe is one I created to suite my taste. Most recipes I found had a lot of clove or some ingredients or methods that did not appeal to me. Traditionally the spices and citrus are heated with the wine. I wanted to make it in a way to add wine at the end so it would not heat long at all. Oh, and use a light, dry red wine such as a Pinot Noir and one you would drink by itself.

Today’s Sunday Supper event is about holiday drinks and appetizers. We have recipes galore for your next big party or small gathering with family and friends:

Holiday Cocktails

Holiday Appetizers or Hors d’oeuvres

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check our our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Gluhwein aka Glühwein - German Mulled Wine | Magnolia Days
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Gluhwein (Glühwein) – German Mulled Wine

A recipe for gluhwein (glühwein) - a German mulled wine traditionally served during the Christmas season. Red wine is mulled with spices and citrus and served hot.
Course Drinks
Cuisine German
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 cardamom seeds/pods
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • Peel and juice of 1 orange
  • Peel and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 bottle dry red wine 750ml, pinot noir recommended

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients except the wine in a small pot. Stir ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 45 mintutes to 1 hour.
  2. Pour syrup into a larger pot through a strainer or sieve. Discard spices and citrus peels. Add the wine to the pot and heat to just under a simmer. Watch over and do not let it boil. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for gluhwein (glühwein) - a German mulled wine traditionally served during the Christmas season. Red wine is mulled with spices and citrus and served hot.

Need a version of mulled wine that doesn’t require making syrup?  See a simpler recipe here.

Recipe Rating




Clark

Monday 3rd of August 2015

Yes! Finally something about click here.

Sunithi

Thursday 20th of December 2012

Never made mulled wine before & this seems like a great recipe. Beautiful. love the spice in it. Will try it !

The Ninja Baker

Monday 17th of December 2012

Germany is famous for its cold and tummy-warming food and drink. Thank you, Renee, for sharing your family story and recipe!

Megan

Monday 17th of December 2012

This is a beautiful drink. YUM.

chatteringkitchen

Monday 17th of December 2012

Love the addition of the star anise. Cant wait to try this