Name: German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 bottles dry red wine; 2 cups orange juice; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 oranges, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cranberries; 10 whole cloves; 4 star anise; 6 cinnamon sticks; 1/2 cup brandy (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 53 reviews

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm mug of mulled wine on a chilly evening, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe with you. It’s cozy, festive, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or any time you need a little liquid warmth!

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The perfect mix of tart cranberries, citrus, and warming spices create a richly layered taste.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels easily to suit your preferences.
Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples during the holidays, making it convenient to whip up any time.
Authentic Experience: Using whole spices and a gentle simmer ensures the traditional Gluhwein aroma and flavor come through beautifully.

German Mulled Wine Gluhwein, how to make mulled wine, cozy winter drinks, festive holiday drinks, warm spiced wine - Two round glasses filled with dark red mulled wine sit on a wooden board, each glass holding a large orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise floating on top. Around the glasses are small bright orange kumquats, some whole and one sliced open, as well as a halved orange showing its juicy texture. Cinnamon sticks and star anise are scattered near the glasses, with some pine branches adding a natural touch. The scene is set against a soft glowing background with yellow fairy lights and a white marbled surface below, creating a warm and cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here brings something special to this German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe. From the dry red wine’s depth to the fresh and zesty orange slices, every element plays its part perfectly. When shopping, I always pick a good-quality dry red wine that I’d drink on its own — it makes a noticeable difference!

German Mulled Wine Gluhwein, how to make mulled wine, cozy winter drinks, festive holiday drinks, warm spiced wine - Flat lay of two whole oranges, a small white bowl of fresh cranberries, six cinnamon sticks arranged neatly, four star anise pods, ten whole cloves scattered artfully, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing bright orange juice, and a simple glass carafe of deep red wine set on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dry Red Wine: Provides the rich base; choose something fruity but not too sweet.
Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and bright citrus notes.
Granulated Sugar (or maple syrup/agave): Balances the tartness and rounds out flavors; feel free to swap sweeteners.
Oranges (sliced): Fresh fruit boosts the aroma and adds a lovely pop of color when serving.
Fresh Cranberries: Add tartness and a festive look.
Whole Cloves: Infuse an earthy spice that’s unmistakably Gluhwein.
Star Anise: Lends a slight licorice note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Cinnamon Sticks: Warm, comforting spice that defines mulled wine.
Brandy (optional): Adds a deeper boozy kick that’s perfect for cold evenings.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the sweetness or spice levels depending on the mood and who’s joining me. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Less Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet drink, cut back on the sugar or swap with maple syrup for a more complex sweetness — I often do this when I want a deeper flavor.
More Spice: Feel free to toss extra cinnamon sticks or star anise for a bolder spice profile. Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg, and it gave the mulled wine a cozy twist.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the wine with grape or cranberry juice and keep all the spices — the warm spice flavors shine even without alcohol!

Step-by-Step: How I Make German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve the Sweetness

Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the orange juice and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar has fully dissolved — this little step ensures your mulled wine has a smooth sweetness without gritty bits. I usually keep an eye on it so the juice doesn’t start boiling.

Step 2: Add Wine, Spices & Fruits

Next, pour in the dry red wine and add all your spices and fruits: sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. If you’re using brandy (and I recommend it for a bit of extra warmth), pour it in now. The whole spices really do all the magic — no ground powders here — as they slowly infuse their aroma.

Step 3: Simmer Slowly, Taste Often

Turn the heat down to low, and let your mulled wine gently simmer for about 30 minutes. This is where the flavors marry beautifully. I like to taste it around the 20-minute mark to see if it needs a bit more sweetness or extra brandy. If you have more time, simmering longer — even up to two hours — can deepen the flavor wonderfully, just keep it on low so it doesn’t boil.

Step 4: Serve it Up With Style

Once everything is infused just right, ladle the warm Gluhwein into mugs or heatproof glasses. I love to garnish with a cinnamon stick, an orange peel twist, a star anise pod, or a few fresh cranberries. It’s as much about the look as the taste — and it smells amazing!

💡

Pro Tips for Making German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe

Use Whole Spices: Ground spices can make the wine gritty; whole spices infuse more gently and are easy to remove.
Low & Slow Simmer: Avoid boiling, which burns off the alcohol and creates bitterness — just a gentle simmer is perfect.
Taste & Adjust: Don’t be shy to tweak sugar and brandy amounts after simmering — everyone’s taste buds are different!
Strain Before Serving: Especially if you prefer a clear drink, use a fine sieve to remove spices and fruit chunks.

How to Serve German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe

German Mulled Wine Gluhwein, how to make mulled wine, cozy winter drinks, festive holiday drinks, warm spiced wine - A clear glass filled with dark red mulled wine shows several layers inside: a thick slice of orange with bright orange peel and a smooth surface leaning inside the drink, dark brown cinnamon sticks standing upright, and star anise with a shiny texture floating on top. The drink glass is placed on a wooden table surrounded by dried orange slices, pine cones, cranberries, and green pine leaves. In the blurred background, two more glasses of mulled wine with similar content and warm glowing lights create a cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My absolute favorite garnishes for German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) include a sturdy cinnamon stick for stirring, a curl of orange peel for brightness, a plump star anise pod for that classic look (and extra aroma), and a few fresh cranberries to make everything feel festive. Not only do they look pretty, but they keep the flavors popping as you sip.

Side Dishes

I often serve this with German-inspired sides like warm pretzels with mustard, gingerbread cookies, or a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and smoked sausages. The spice and warmth of the Gluhwein pairs perfectly as a complement or contrast to savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the mulled wine in clear glass mugs to show off the vibrant oranges and reds. Sometimes, I freeze cranberries and use them as colorful ice cubes that gently warm up in the drink without diluting it. And on extra special nights, I rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar — it’s a small touch that feels so special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover mulled wine in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and the flavors actually marinate a little more, making the next day’s taste even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

If you ever have too much, freezing works surprisingly well. I pour the cooled mulled wine into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Just thaw and gently reheat when ready to drink — though I recommend freezing only if you plan to enjoy it within a month for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Gluhwein slowly on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling, or you’ll lose that lovely warmth and some of the nuanced flavors. I usually add a fresh cinnamon stick or a few fresh orange slices when reheating to reinvigorate the aroma.

FAQs

Can I make German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the spices to meld beautifully. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.
What type of wine is best for Gluhwein?

Dry red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir work perfectly. Avoid very sweet or heavily oaked wines, as they can overpower the spices.
Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Yes! Use grape juice or cranberry juice in place of wine, and keep the spices and fruit. It’s a fantastic warming beverage for those avoiding alcohol.
How long can I simmer the mulled wine?

Simmer gently for at least 30 minutes for good flavor, but you can extend up to 2 hours on low heat. Just make sure it doesn’t boil to prevent bitterness.

Final Thoughts

This German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the warm hug of a drink that instantly lifts your spirits during the frosty months. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with friends, the combination of spices, fruit, and wine is pure magic. Give it a try, and I promise, it’ll feel like your kitchen is transformed into a cozy German Christmas market. Enjoy every sip!

German Mulled Wine (Gluhwein) Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste