Welcome Back to the Ever Ready Kitchen
The new word for the week is Gluhwein, which literally means “glowing wine.” It is a mulled wine traditionally served in Germany, the Alsace region of France, and other parts of northern Europe. Gluhwein is a popular beverage found at every German Christmas market and served during the holiday season.
I took these photos in late November in Vienna at the Christmas markets several years ago. Since the weather was quite cold, a mug of Gluhwein really hit the spot.
In this picture, note the man carrying a yellow mug of mulled wine. Wine is sold in special keep-sake mugs. An hour later, a freezing drizzle followed by snow sent the crowds scurrying into warm places.The mulled wine is prepared with red wine that has been heated and spiced up with cinnamon sticks, citrus (orange or lemon) cloves, and sometimes raisins.
You don't need to go to Vienna to enjoy a glass of Gluhwein, as it can be made in your own kitchen.
Glühwein – Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients:- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 1 orange
- 8 whole cloves
- 2-star anise
- 1 bottle of red wine (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaujolais, Merlot, or Shiraz are suggested wines to use). I used Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Cinnamon sticks to serve with beverage
- Optional but quite good, adding in a splash of brandy (1-2 tablespoons) with each serving.
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer.
- Cut the orange in half and divide the cloves in half. Place cloves in each orange half and place in simmering water.
- Simmer on low for 30 minutes or until thick and syrupy.
- Pour in the wine. Heat until steaming but not simmering. Avoid having it boil, as you don't want to boil off the alcohol. Reduce heat to low cover and let it simmer for 1/2 hour or up to three hours.
- Remove the clove-studded orange halves, anise and cinnamon stick.
- Serve hot in mugs that have been preheated or glasses preheated with warm water-(note a cold glass could break)
- Add a splash of brandy and serve with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.
This sounds ideal for a cold winter evening whether indoors or outdoors.
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