There’s nothing quite like the magic of German Christmas markets. Picture this: twinkling lights strung across wooden stalls, the scent of roasted almonds wafting through the air, and carolers singing festive tunes in the background. But the real star of the season? Glühwein. This warm, spiced wine is practically synonymous with the holidays in Germany. Whether you’re strolling through a snowy market or enjoying a cozy night at home, a mug of Glühwein is the perfect way to capture that festive spirit. Pair this with our spicy Gulasch for a perfect night at home!
What is Glühwein?
Glühwein (literally “glow wine”) gets its name from the warming glow it gives you as you sip it on a chilly evening. It’s a holiday staple that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking. Want it stronger? Add some rum or brandy. Prefer it less sweet? Adjust the sugar. It’s a drink that’s all about bringing warmth and cheer to your holiday season.
When we started serving Glühwein at Brauhaus Schmitz, it quickly became a holiday tradition for our guests and staff alike. The holiday season at the restaurant truly began when we brought out the first batches of this warm, spiced wine. It wasn’t just a drink; it was an experience. Guests would come in from the chilly Philadelphia streets, their cheeks rosy from the cold, and warm their hands and spirits with steaming mugs of Glühwein. Its popularity grew every year, and soon, it was the drink everyone associated with the most festive time of year.
Glühwein brought more than just warmth to the restaurant—it brought people together. From holiday parties to casual evenings at the bar, there was something magical about the way this drink set the tone for the season. We even found ourselves sneaking sips from the pot in the kitchen (don’t tell!). Its rich aroma filled the entire space, making it feel like a little slice of a German Christmas market right in the heart of Philadelphia.
Now, I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you so you can recreate that cozy, festive atmosphere at home. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just curling up with a book and blanket, this Glühwein will transport you straight to the heart of Germany’s holiday traditions. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to spread a little Christmas cheer.
Glühwein Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 6 star anise
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Peel of 1 orange (use a vegetable peeler for large strips)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (60ml) rum or brandy
Instructions:
1. Prepare the spices:
In a medium pot, combine the star anise, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel.
2. Add the wine and sugar:
Pour the red wine into the pot over the spices and orange peel. Stir in the brown sugar, adjusting to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
3. Heat gently:
Place the pot over low to medium heat. Warm the wine slowly, but do not let it boil. Boiling can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor.
4. Infuse the flavors:
Once the wine is warm (about 10-15 minutes), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld.
5. Add optional spirits:
If you’re adding rum or brandy, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
6. Serve:
Strain the Glühwein through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange peel. Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
7. Enjoy:
Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy. Sip and savor the festive vibes!
Glühwein – German Mulled Wine
Jeremy NolenIngredients
- 1 bottle 750ml dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
- 1/4 cup 50g brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 6 star anise
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Peel of 1 orange use a vegetable peeler for large strips
- Optional: 1/4 cup 60ml rum or brandy
Instructions
Prepare the spices:
- In a medium pot, combine the star anise, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel.
Add the wine and sugar:
- Pour the red wine into the pot over the spices and orange peel. Stir in the brown sugar, adjusting to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
Heat gently:
- Place the pot over low to medium heat. Warm the wine slowly, but do not let it boil. Boiling can cook off the alcohol and alter the flavor.
Infuse the flavors:
- Once the wine is warm (about 10-15 minutes), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld.
Add optional spirits:
- If you’re adding rum or brandy, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Serve:
- Strain the Glühwein through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange peel. Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
Enjoy:
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy. Sip and savor the festive vibes!
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with grape juice or cranberry juice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.