Glühwein: Mulled wine with spices.
Glühwein, the storied German mulled wine, is a warming, festive beverage traditionally enjoyed during the winter holidays. This seasoned concoction blends red wine with an aromatic mix of cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, and a hint of sugar to sweeten the deal. The mixture is gently heated, allowing the spices to infuse the wine with their fragrant qualities and creating a drink that not only warms the body but also the spirit. It is commonly served at Christmas markets across Europe and is perfect for sipping on a cold evening spent in good company.
Introduction
As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite like warming up with a classic German Glühwein. This traditional mulled wine is a staple at Christmas markets across Germany and is loved for its capacity to warm the heart and soul during winter. It's a delightful blend of red wine and spices that's perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Here, My German Recipes shares a personal favorite that will surely become a seasonal highlight in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (I recommend a California mix, but several other wines can be used)
- 500 ml grape juice
- 100 g sugar
- 1 organic orange
- 1 organic lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cloves
- Star anise
- 10 juniper berries
Equipment
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mug or glass for serving
- Optional: Cooking thermometer
Instructions
1. **Caramelize the Sugar**: Place the sugar in a large pot over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden honey color. This process should make the sugar look like it's "sweating" and will turn liquid.
2. **Add Grape Juice and Fruits**: Once the sugar has fully caramelized, cautiously add the grape juice to the pot (it may harden the sugar initially). Then, heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. While waiting, slice the orange and lemon into eighths and add them to the juice.
3. **Incorporate Spices**: To the mixture, add the star anise, juniper berries, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring everything to a slight boil and maintain a light simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
4. **Blend with Wine**: At this stage, pour the wine into the spiced juice blend. Ensure the temperature of the mixture does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid evaporating the alcohol. If you have a cooking thermometer, use it to monitor the temperature after adding the wine, aiming for 65-66 degrees Celsius.
5. **Serve**: Before serving, remove the spices and fruit pieces. For an authentic German experience, serve the Glühwein in a mug rather than a glass. If desired, you can leave the spices and fruits in the Glühwein for an hour or two or even overnight to intensify the flavors, but simmering as instructed already yields a delicious result.
#### Prep Time: 10 minutes
#### Cook Time: 20 minutes
#### Total Time: 30 minutes
#### Cooking Tips:
- Opt for organic fruits to avoid pesticides leaching into the Glühwein since the peels are used.
- To add a personal touch, you can experiment with additional spices like cardamom.
- Remember to keep the alcohol from boiling by carefully monitoring the temperature.
#### Servings: 4-6
#### Attribution
Recipe courtesy of My German Recipes. Check out their full range of delightful German culinary treasures on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes).
#mulled #christmasmarket #warmdrinks #german
YouTube channel - My German Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes
Glühwein: Mulled wine with spices.
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