Around early November every year throughout Europe, Christmas markets pop up and have a traditional sense they have a German theme, selling Glühwein - German Mulled Wine as well as other German foods such as gingerbread and pretzels. Nothing warms the body though like a cup of warm glug that has infused spices, seasonal citrus and warms them wine and a little liqour.
Having lived through a cold winter in Germany in my teens, I got to experience the magic of a German winter market and when some friends visited they noted how the small town over 1000 years old with it's lights and offerings felt like the Germany you imagine visiting when you think of this country. At that time I was too young to get to taste the beauty that is the warmth of mulled wine, but you can see how this is something has become popular outside the borders.
History of Mulled Wine
'The oldest documented Glühwein tankard is attributed to Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen, a German nobleman who was the first grower of Riesling grapes. This gold-plated lockable silver tankard is dated to c. 1420,' which reflects how well this has aged as a dish. Though Mulled Wine has been served throughout Europe, obviously it now has close links to Germany and markets throughout the continent always serve cups of warm Glühwein at most Christmas market's.
How to prepare German Mulled Wine
- Syrup it up: Place the sugar, water, citrus peels and spices to a medium saucepan on medium low heat covered to create your syrup.
- Add a tipple of wine: Add only ½ cup to the syrup and continue lightly simmering.
- Time for the good stuff: Add all the alcohol to the saucepan and stir through until it is warmed through.
- Serve: Pour into your serving glasses or cups and enjoy!
Tips for the best German Mulled Wine
Type of sugar: The time of sugar is not defined in the original recipe so superfine was chosen due to how easily it dissolves to make the syrup base for this recipe.
Serving size: The serving size of this wine is one literal glass of mulled wine so if you love mulled wine you should definitely double the recipe as this heats up incredibly well a day or two after being made.
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How to make German Mulled Wine:
Place the water, sugar, citrus peels, orange juice into a medium saucepan on medium-low heat.
Add in the cinnamon, cloves, star anise and nutmeg.
Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add in ½ cup wine and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, allowing the syrup to reduce and thicken.
Pour in the remaining wine and rum and heat through for 5 minutes.
Ladle into warm mugs.
Serve immediately.
German Mulled Wine
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Drinks, Winter
- Cuisine: German
Description
This Glühwein - German Mulled Wine recipe is the best way to warm up on those winter nights, especially with a full meal and good company - you can easily double or triple this recipe and serve a crowd.
Ingredients
100 grams / ½ cup superfine/caster sugar
250 milliliters / 1 cup water
1 orange, peeled and juiced
1 lemon, peeled
1 lime, peeled
1 cinnamon stick
6 cloves
2 star anise
½ nutmeg, sliced
1 bottle fruity red wine (when in doubt Cab Sav)
120 milliliters / ½ cup rum
Instructions
- Place the water, sugar, citrus peels, orange juice into a medium saucepan on medium-low heat.
- Add in the cinnamon, cloves, star anise and nutmeg.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in ½ cup wine and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, allowing the syrup to reduce and thicken.
- Pour in the remaining wine and rum and heat through for 5 minutes.
- Ladle into warm mugs.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Type of sugar: The time of sugar is not defined in the original recipe so superfine was chosen due to how easily it dissolves to make the syrup base for this recipe.
Serving size: The serving size of this wine is one literal glass of mulled wine so if you love mulled wine you should definitely double the recipe as this heats up incredibly well a day or two after being made.
Adapted from Wishful Chef
Nutrition
- Calories: 232 calories per serve
Keywords: drinks, alcoholic, winter
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