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Traditional Glühwein

A warming German mulled wine infused with citrus and holiday spices, perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Austrian, German
Calories: 148
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 bottle 750 ml dry red wine (Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Dornfelder work best)
  • 2 cups apple juice or apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
  • 1 orange sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 1 whole nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 vanilla pod or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 2 tablespoons brandy or rum for serving optional

Equipment

  • 3-quart stainless steel pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Vegetable peeler or sharp knife
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Ladle
  • Heat-safe mugs or glasses
  • Slow cooker (optional)

Method
 

  1. Wash orange and lemon under cool water and slice into thin rounds with peel intact.
  2. Measure and prepare cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to have spices ready.
  3. Pour the bottle of red wine and apple juice into a 3-quart stainless steel pot.
  4. Stir in honey or sugar until fully dissolved.
  5. Add orange and lemon slices along with all prepared whole spices to the pot.
  6. Heat mixture over medium-high heat until steam begins to rise, then reduce to medium-low to prevent boiling.
  7. Let the glühwein simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Strain the infused wine through a fine mesh strainer into a serving pot or heat-safe mugs and discard solids.
  9. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or citrus slice and serve warm. Optionally add brandy or rum for extra warmth.

Notes

Serve warm in mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or citrus slice. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove before serving.