I absolutely love this recipe because nothing says cozy holiday vibes like a steaming mug of fragrant Glühwein, bubbling with citrusy and spiced aromas that immediately transport me to a snowy Christmas market. Plus, the flexibility to tweak the sweetness and add a splash of brandy makes it the perfect personalized winter warmer to share with friends around a crackling fire.
My affection for a cozy mug of Glühwein during the frigid winter months knows no bounds. This traditional German mulled wine is a delightful blend of flavors.
Starting with a bottle of dry red wine, the recipe calls for sliced oranges and a handful of spices—cinnamon sticks and star anise are essential, and cloves and a hint of sugar round out the flavor profile with an extra touch of warmth. A splash of brandy takes the whole thing to the next level, and honey provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity from the citrus.
Ingredients
Dry Red Wine:
Abundant in antioxidants and delivers the foundational taste.
Orange:
Lemon juice not only makes a dish taste lemony, but it also:
1.
Adds citrusy notes and a natural sweetness.
2.
Brightens and lightens the flavors; makes them pop.
3.
Makes whatever you are cooking taste more like itself.
Cloves:
Provides pleasant spices and supports the gut.
Cinnamon Sticks:
Imparts warmth and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Star Anise:
Gives off a flavor reminiscent of licorice and includes antioxidants.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise
- 1/4 cup of sugar, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Empty the bottle of dry red wine into a large saucepan or pot.
2. Incorporate the following ingredients into the wine: sliced orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
3. Dissolve the sugar, adjusting to taste for desired sweetness.
4. Put the saucepan on medium heat, but ensure that the mixture does not come to a boil. Let it gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. The mixture should be tasted, and if it is not sweet enough for the individual’s liking, more sugar or a tablespoon of honey may be added to reach desired sweetness levels.
6. If adding brandy, incorporate it into the mixture and stir thoroughly to amalgamate.
7. You can optionally add sliced lemon for an extra kick of citrus flavor and let it mingle for a few minutes.
8. After blending the flavors well and allowing them to reach the state of fragrant perfection, take the saucepan off the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
9. Strain the Gluehwein through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit slices.
10. Warm Gluehwein can be served in mugs or heatproof glasses. You can garnish them with extra slices of orange or lemon for appearance and flavor, if you so desire. And then savor the moment!
Equipment Needed
1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Stirring spoon
6. Fine mesh sieve
7. Mugs or heatproof glasses
FAQ
- What type of red wine should I use for Glühwein?A dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, is the best choice to obtain a balanced, traditional flavor.
- Can I make Glühwein without alcohol?You can substitute the red wine for non-alcoholic grape juice or cranberry juice.
- How long should I simmer the Glühwein?Glühwein should be simmered for approximately 20-30 minutes. It must not be allowed to boil, for that would not only alter some flavors but also cause true Glühwein to lose much of its “glow” (and alcohol).
- Is the brandy necessary in Glühwein?The use of brandy is not required. It, however, offers another layer of flavor that is nice for this dish. You can let it go if you’d like a dish with a lighter flavor profile.
- How can I adjust the sweetness?Begin with 1/4 cup of sugar and add more to your liking. You can also use honey to boost the sweetness’s natural flavor.
- Can I prepare Glühwein in advance?You can absolutely prepare it in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Heat it gently before serving.
- What other spices can I add?You can test by including spices like cardamom pods or nutmeg for a one-of-a-kind take on the standard recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Cranberry juice can easily and effectively take the place of red wine in a non-alcoholic recipe.
Substitute tangerines or mandarins for a sweeter citrus note.
Sugar: Use brown sugar or maple syrup to achieve a different sweetness profile.
Brandy: Use rum instead for a flavor that’s deeper, or leave it out if you prefer something lighter.
Cinnamon sticks: If sticks are unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon as a substitute.
Pro Tips
1. Wine Quality: Opt for a medium-bodied dry red wine such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a Cabernet Sauvignon. The complexity of the wine will enhance the overall flavor of the mulled wine.
2. Spice Toasting: Before adding the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the wine, lightly toast them in a dry pan for a minute or two. This will help to release their essential oils and intensify their flavors.
3. Slow Heating: Heat the mixture slowly and carefully to ensure it doesn’t boil. Boiling will evaporate the alcohol and can also make the spices taste bitter. Low and slow is the key to a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Flavor Infusion: For an additional layer of flavor, consider leaving the spices in the wine for a bit longer before straining, but keep the heat off or low. This will allow the essential oils to integrate fully without overheating the wine.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture frequently as it simmers. The sugar and honey amounts can be adjusted gradually. Different wines have varying sweetness, so it’s essential to tailor the sweetness to your preference to achieve that perfect balance.
Gluehwein Recipe
My favorite Gluehwein Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Stirring spoon
6. Fine mesh sieve
7. Mugs or heatproof glasses
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise
- 1/4 cup of sugar, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Empty the bottle of dry red wine into a large saucepan or pot.
2. Incorporate the following ingredients into the wine: sliced orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
3. Dissolve the sugar, adjusting to taste for desired sweetness.
4. Put the saucepan on medium heat, but ensure that the mixture does not come to a boil. Let it gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. The mixture should be tasted, and if it is not sweet enough for the individual’s liking, more sugar or a tablespoon of honey may be added to reach desired sweetness levels.
6. If adding brandy, incorporate it into the mixture and stir thoroughly to amalgamate.
7. You can optionally add sliced lemon for an extra kick of citrus flavor and let it mingle for a few minutes.
8. After blending the flavors well and allowing them to reach the state of fragrant perfection, take the saucepan off the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
9. Strain the Gluehwein through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit slices.
10. Warm Gluehwein can be served in mugs or heatproof glasses. You can garnish them with extra slices of orange or lemon for appearance and flavor, if you so desire. And then savor the moment!
