Gluhbier Hot Beer Cocktail Recipe

I absolutely love this Gluhbier recipe because it combines the rich, malty flavors of dark beer with the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves, creating the perfect cozy beverage for chilly evenings. Plus, the dash of honey and fresh orange juice adds just the right hint of sweetness and citrus zing, making each sip feel like a comforting hug.

My winter drink enjoys a place of honor in the cozy cocktail canon, as they are quintessentially winter ale drinks. My Gluhbier Hot Beer Cocktail is a favorite—the dark beer, the warm spices, the honey sweetener, and the glorious smell that wafts through the kitchen.

You know the way some drinks just plain feel good? This drink does that.

You want some, trust me. And it’s dead simple to make.

Ingredients

Malty and rich, dark beer has a very slight sweetness to it.

Cinnamon Sticks: Contributes warmth and spiciness; helps with digestion.

Cloves lend the aromatic depth of winter.

They have antioxidant properties.

Star Anise: Characteristic anise flavor; promotes respiratory well-being.

Honey: A natural sweetener; a substance that is soothing and has antibacterial qualities.

Orange juice: imparts citrus sharpness; is a vitamin C powerhouse.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500 ml dark beer
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice from 1 orange
• Orange slices, for garnish
• Optional: a splash of rum or brandy

Instructions

1. Medium heat is the setting for the stovetop when making sauces. It may be even less than medium in some recipes, depending on how thick a sauce you’re trying to achieve or how quickly you want to complete the cooking process. For most sauces, you want to allow time for flavors to develop and for the sauce to reduce or thicken.

2. To the beer, add 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 cloves, and 1 star anise.

3. Heat the blend gradually until it is sending up steam, but not boiling, and give it a good stir now and then.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and stir until it is completely dissolved.

5. Add the juice from 1 orange to the saucepan, mixing thoroughly.

6. Keep heating the composition in a gentle manner for 5-10 extra minutes, and let the spices diffuse into the liquid.

7. You can also optionally add a splash of rum or brandy to the saucepan and stir well.

8. Take the saucepan off the heat, and pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the spices.

9. The hot beer cocktail should be poured into either mugs or glasses that can withstand heat.

10. Before serving, add orange slices as a garnish, and relish your hot mixed beer drink, Gluhbier.

Equipment Needed

1. Stovetop
2. Saucepan
3. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
4. Citrus juicer (for juicing the orange)
5. Strainer
6. Heat-resistant mugs or glasses

FAQ

• Can I use any type of beer for this recipe?It is recommended that dark beer be used for its robust flavor; however, you may prefer a lighter taste, in which case you can use another type of beer.
• Is the alcohol content safe to consume warm?Indeed, slightly warming the beer boosts the flavors, while the alcohol content remains largely constant.
• Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?For a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic beer or malt beverages instead of the dark beer.
• What’s the best way to serve Gluhbier?Warm the drinks in heatproof glasses or mugs and top with a corresponding slice of orange.
• How can I adjust the sweetness?Alter the quantity of honey to your taste, or replace it with agave syrup or other sweeteners.
• What can I use instead of cinnamon sticks and cloves?Cinnamon and cloves can be ground and used in lesser amounts. For these spices, begin by using 1/4 teaspoon of each and adjust according to your taste.
• Can I prepare this in advance?Fresh is the best way to enjoy this, but you can make the spice mixture ahead and add the beer right before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

A porter or stout can be used instead of dark beer for a deeper flavor.
Replace cinnamon sticks with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can take honey’s place and impart a different sweetness profile.
Apple juice can be used in place of orange juice to create a different fruit flavor.
If you don’t have star anise on hand, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of anise seeds as a replacement.

Pro Tips

1. Use a high-quality dark beer for this recipe, as it will significantly influence the flavor profile of the drink. A stout or a bock beer can provide a rich, robust taste.

2. When adding the honey, try using a flavored variety like clover or orange blossom to subtly enhance the flavors of the spices and citrus.

3. Toast the spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise) in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before adding them to the beer. This can help to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor of the Gluhbier.

4. Consider adding a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the mixture for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

5. If you opt to add rum or brandy, select a variety that complements the dark beer—spiced rum can marry well with the existing flavors, whereas a good quality cognac might add a sophisticated depth.