Description
This Easy Gluhwein Recipe is a traditional German mulled wine perfect for warming up chilly evenings. Made with dry red wine, fresh oranges, spices, and optional brandy, this cozy spiced beverage infuses delightful aromas and flavors with a simple stovetop simmering method. Enjoy it garnished with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cranberries for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 2 bottles dry red wine
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
Sweeteners
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/agave)
Fruits
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Spices
- 10 whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 6 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine orange juice and sugar: Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat on the stove, then add the orange juice and granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a sweet base.
- Add wine, fruits, and spices: Pour in the dry red wine along with the sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. If using, add the brandy at this point to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Simmer to infuse flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 minutes. This allows the spices and fruits to release their aromatic flavors into the wine without boiling off the alcohol.
- Taste and adjust: After 30 minutes, sample the Gluhwein and adjust sweetness or strength by adding more sugar or brandy if needed. You can continue to gently simmer for up to a couple hours for a richer infusion if desired.
- Serve garnished: Ladle the mulled wine into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel twists, star anise, and extra cranberries for a festive presentation. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use dry red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for best results.
- Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Do not boil the mixture to preserve the wine’s alcohol content and delicate flavors.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use grape juice instead of wine and skip brandy.
- The whole spices can be strained out before serving if you prefer a smoother drink.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently but should not be boiled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
