Description
This Easy Gluhwein Recipe captures the cozy essence of German mulled wine, blending dry red wine with aromatic spices, fresh fruits, and a hint of brandy. Perfect for warming up on chilly evenings, this traditional holiday beverage is simple to make on the stovetop and infused with flavors of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and orange.
Ingredients
Scale
Wine and 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
- Heat liquids: Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat on the stove and add the orange juice and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add wine and spices: Pour in the dry red wine followed by the whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, sliced oranges, and fresh cranberries. If using brandy, add it now to enhance depth of flavor.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer gently for 30 minutes. This allows the spices and fruits to infuse their flavors fully into the liquid.
- Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the Gluhwein and adjust sweetness or brandy level according to preference. You can simmer for up to 2 hours if desired for stronger infusion.
- Serve warm: Ladle the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, star anise, and cranberries for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- Use dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for best results.
- Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave for a natural sweetener option.
- If brandy is omitted, the mulled wine will be less strong but still flavorful.
- Simmer the mulled wine gently without boiling to preserve the alcohol and flavors.
- Gluhwein can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust spice quantities based on how strong you want the aromatic flavors.
- Serve with cinnamon sticks or fruit slices for a festive garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
