Traditional Gluehwein Recipe

The mulled wine (Gluehwein) is a popular beverage and known for being served at Christmas markets in Germany. Follow the smell of spices, oranges, and wine, and you will find a Weihnachtsmarkt. This traditional Gluehwein recipe – mulled wine is easy to prepare. Preparations can be done ahead of time and the mulled wine may be stored in the refrigerator. Just take the wine out of the refrigerator when you want to serve it and reheat.

Ingredients for Traditional Gluehwein Recipe:

• 2 bottles of dry redwine (I used Merlot) OR 1 l (1.05qt) of red wine and ½ l (0.52 qt) of spring water
• 4 anise stars
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 12 whole cloves
• 6-8 whole coriander
• 8 whole cardamom
• 250 g (8.81 oz) of brown sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons of cognac OR brandy (optional)
• juice of 1 orange
• grated peel of 1 orange

Preparation of Traditional Gluehwein Recipe:

Mix wine or wine-water mixture, orange juice, brandy and sugar and pour into a saucepan. Add spices and orange peel. Mix ingredients with a whisk and slowly heat the liquid to the boiling point while stirring occasionally. When you reach the boiling point turn the heat off. Remove the wine mixture from the stove, cover the saucepan and let it stand for about 30-60 minutes, depending on how strong a spice flavor you want. 

Pass the prepared wine mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Reheat the mixture for immediate use. (Do not boil!)

The Gluehwein can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator and reheated when needed.