Mulled Wine
Wine · Glühwein mug
The Germanic Glühwein — red wine simmered with citrus peel, clove, cinnamon, star anise, and a splash of brandy. The smell alone is Christmas market.
| Glass | Glühwein mug |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 13% |
| Category | hot |
| Flavor | spiced, fruity, warm, winter |
Ingredients
- Dry Red Wine6 oz
- Brandy1 oz
- Orange Peel Strips2 pieces
- Whole Cloves4 pieces
- Cinnamon Stick1 piece
- Star Anise1 piece
- Sugar1 tbsp
- Orange Slice1 piece
Method
- Combine wine, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and sugar in a saucepan
- Warm gently over low heat 20 minutes (do not boil — simmer is max)
- Stir in brandy just before serving
- Ladle into mug, garnish with orange slice and cinnamon stick
Pro Tips
- Never boil — a slow 20-minute simmer extracts the spices without scorching the wine or driving off alcohol.
- A merlot or inexpensive côtes-du-rhône works better than a tannic cabernet; you want fruit-forward, not oak.
- Add the brandy OFF the heat at the end — keeps the proof up and the aromatics intact.