Glühwein

Warm up your soul with this comforting Glühwein recipe. Infused with cinnamon and cloves, this orange-spiced wine is the perfect cozy drink for the entire season.

What is Glühwein?

Glühwein is the German version of mulled wine. The name translates to 'glow wine,' because this warm, spiced drink is sure to make you feel glowing from the inside out!

Best Wine for Glühwein

Choose a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon. Pick a wine you'd enjoy drinking, but don't use your most expensive bottles for this recipe.

No matter what wine you select, make sure to add it to the mixture when it’s hot but not simmering—this way, the alcohol stays intact.

How to Make Glühwein

While the full recipe is below, here's a quick overview of what to expect when preparing this comforting Glühwein:

1. Boil the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture.
3. Push the cloves into the skin of the orange peel. Add it to the simmering mixture.
4. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat.
5. Add the wine while the mixture is hot, but not simmering.

How to Serve Glühwein

Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel, then ladle the Glühwein into stoneware mugs. Garnish with orange wedges. If serving in glass mugs, preheat them with hot water to prevent shattering.

Dinogo Community Tips and Praise

"Absolutely amazing," says wenzk. "I made this for my husband, and he loved it too! The smell filled our house, and the rich, warming effect was just perfect. Lovely!"

"I visited the Christmas Market in Frankfurt last year," shares a Dinogo community member. "The entire place smelled of Glühwein, with a vendor at every corner. It was the best thing I ever tasted! This recipe is just like I remember it."

"I like to add a splash of brandy now and then," says Sarah. "It gives it a bit more kick, especially if your wine has gotten a bit too warm and some of the alcohol has evaporated."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

• 2 medium oranges, divided

• 10 whole cloves

• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine

Instructions

Collect all the ingredients you'll need.

In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.

Cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice from both halves into the sugar mixture. Stick 5 cloves into the skin of each orange peel, then add the peels to the simmering mix. Let it simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, until it thickens into a syrup.

Once the mixture has finished simmering, stir in the wine and heat until it’s steaming, but not boiling, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and discard the orange peels and cinnamon stick.

Pour the Glühwein into mugs and garnish with orange slices.