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Glühwein- German Christmas Market Sweet Mulled Wine

ByMeggen Wilson Posted on Updated on
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Our German son-in-law made this sweet Glühwein for us one Christmas and now it is a part of our holiday traditions.

a white mug of warm Glühwein sit on a bench in the snow

What is Glühwein?

Glühwein, or German Christmas wine, dates back to ancient Romans. The Romans would heat wine and add spices as they traveled across the continent in the winter. Glühwein is now popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

This German hot beverage is a red wine that is simmered with orange slices, sugar or honey and spices like cinnamon and whole cloves. It is traditionally served in the famous Christmas Markets throughout Germany. Tourists can buy the beautiful mugs that hold the wine from each market.

Many German families have their own recipes that they pass down through generations.

A buffet filled with German Christmas market foods like potato pancakes, gingerbread, sausages, pretzel rolls and wine

Ingredients in German Glühwein:

  • dry red wine
  • sugar or honey
  • oranges
  • cinnamon sticks
  • whole cloves
a large stainless steel stock pot filled with orange slices and cinnamon sticks and red wine on a stove burner

Equipment needed for Glühwein:

  • a large stock pot
  • sharp knife
  • ladle
  • mugs
a white mug of warm Glühwein sit on a bench in the snow

Beautiful Christmas Mugs for your Glühwein:

  1. 222 Fifth, red and cream Poinsettia Toile- $8.99. Buy HERE.
  2. Pottery Barn Gingerbread Stoneware mugs, set off 2- $29.50. Buy HERE
  3. West Elm Tannebaum Stoneware mugs, set of 4, $60.00. Buy HERE
  4. Villeroy-Boch Annual Christmas Edition Mug, $27.99 each, Buy HERE.
  5. Juliska Forest Walk Mug, $44.00 each. Buy HERE
a bundt cake on a plate dusted with powdered sugar

Holiday Treats to serve with Glühwein:

a Christmas market in Frakfurt Germany

Variations to this recipe:

  • Add in other spices such as cardamom pods, star anise or even juniper berries
  • Toss in a whole vanilla bean or a couple of teaspoons of vanilla bean paste
  • Add lemon slices
  • Sweeten with Demerara sugar, vanilla sugar or brown sugar
  • Add in brandy, rum or even a splash of vodka
a Christmas tree covered with white lights next to a wine stand in Frankfurt, Germany

Glühwein- German Christmas Market Sweet Mulled Wine

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Course: Cocktails, Holiday Baking
Cuisine: german
Keyword: Wine
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Meggen

Ingredients

  • 1 unit bottle good dry red wine good dry red wine
  • 1 unit Orange sliced thinly
  • 2 unit cinnamon sticks
  • 6-8 unit whole cloves
  • 2 TBSP sugar
  • 2 TBSP honey
  • Cinnamon sticks or orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  • Slice oranges thinly. Add all ingredients to a large pot, heat warm enough dissolve the sugar and honey- but DO NOT boil the wine.
  • Take off heat and let sit for 1-2 hours. Reheat when ready to serve.
  • Strain wine of oranges and spices.
  • Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick or orange slice to garnish.
a white mug of warm Glühwein sit on a bench in the snow
Bavarian Christmas ornaments at a Christmas Market

Meggen Wilson is the owner of the specialty food company- Pine & Palm Kitchen. At P&P Kitchen, nestled in the heart of Northwest Montana, we craft small-batch, premium vanilla and vinegar products, using only the finest locally sourced and fair-trade ingredients.
Our creations are a tribute the region's bounty- featuring local honey, Pacific Northwest varietals of apples and spirits from nearby distilleries.
Each batch is lovingly manufactured with a commitment to quality, offering an elegant blend of flavors and products that elevates even the simplest of recipes- be it a humble chocolate cookie or a spectacular Pavlova.
Pine and Palm Kitchen, where tradition meets luxury in every bottle.

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