Description
This Easy Gluhwein Recipe offers a traditional German mulled wine experience, combining dry red wine with warm spices, citrus, and optional brandy to create a cozy, flavorful beverage perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Instructions
- Heat Orange Juice and Sugar: Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat on the stove. Add the orange juice and granulated sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Wine and Spices: Pour in the dry red wine along with all the spices and fruits including whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, sliced oranges, and fresh cranberries. Add the brandy if using.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse. Taste and adjust sweetness or brandy as desired. You can simmer for up to two hours if time allows for deeper flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm Gluhwein into mugs or heat-proof glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, star anise, and cranberries to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Use dry red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for best flavor balance.
- Sugar can be substituted with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Simmering longer enhances the infusion but avoid boiling to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace red wine with grape juice and omit brandy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 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
