Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Introduction: Glühwein, or mulled wine, is a festive and warming beverage that's deeply rooted in German Christmas markets and cold-weather traditions. As the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like the aroma of spiced wine to make the holidays feel cozy and bright. This recipe, courtesy of My German Recipes, captures the essence of a classic Glühwein with a personal twist, ensuring warmth from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (preferably a California wine blend)
- 500 ml of grape juice
- 100 grams of sugar
- 1 organic orange
- 1 organic lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 10 juniper berries
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment: Pot, stove, knife, cutting board, mug or glass for serving
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
1. Begin by caramelizing the sugar. Place the sugar into a pot over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar starts to melt and take on a liquid honey-like color.
2. Carefully add the grape juice to the caramelized sugar. Be aware that it will harden briefly before it dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved.
3. Meanwhile, cut the lemon and the orange into wedges.
4. Add the citrus wedges to the grape juice mixture, along with the star anise, juniper berries, bay leaf, cloves, and the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Once the mixture is aromatic and simmering, it's time to add the wine. Pour the bottle of red wine into the pot carefully.
6. Heat the glühwein until it is very warm but not boiling—ideally below 70°C (158°F)—to keep the alcohol from evaporating.
7. Before serving, strain out the spices and fruit pieces. If you wish, you can leave the mixture to steep with the spices and fruit for another hour or even overnight for a more intensified flavor.
8. Serve the glühwein in a mug for the traditional experience, but if you're taking pictures, a clear glass might show off the beautiful color.
Cooking Tips:
- The key to perfect Glühwein is to never let it boil once the wine is added to preserve the alcohol content.
- If using a glass for serving, ensure it is heatproof to avoid cracking.
- Choose organically grown citrus fruits to avoid pesticide residue since you'll be using the zest and peel.
Remember to serve responsibly, and savor the warmth and cheer of this holiday favorite. Enjoy the recipe provided by My German Recipes and check out their insightful content on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes.
YouTube channel - My German Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes
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