How to Make Simple, Homemade Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Glühwein (German mulled wine) wafting through the kitchen to bring in the holiday season. This warm, spiced wine is a staple at Christmas markets across Germany—and now, it’s a cherished tradition in our home too.
My recipe is simple, flexible, and easy to scale—perfect for a cozy night in or for gifting to friends, family, or your kids’ teachers.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (boxed blends work beautifully)
- ½ to 1½ cups sugar (adjust based on how smooth or harsh the wine is)
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–6 whole cloves
- Slices of citrus (lemon and/or orange work well)
- Optional: citrus peel (use only if fruit is organic or untreated)
Instructions:
- Pour the wine into a large pot.
- Add sugar to taste—start with ½ cup and increase if needed.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, citrus slices, and optional peels.
- Heat gently over medium heat until hot, but do not boil. Covering the pot helps it warm faster.
- Note: Boiling will reduce the alcohol content, so keep it below a simmer if you want to preserve that festive kick!
- Once hot and fragrant, serve immediately—or store for later.
Storage & Reheating:
I like to store my Glühwein in mason jars or reusable glass bottles (we get ours in bulk from Amazon or a local beer/wine supply store). Keep it in the fridge, and when the mood strikes, just microwave a cup at a time.
Gifting Tip:
This homemade Glühwein makes a heartfelt, cozy gift. We bottle it up with homemade labels and give it to our daughters’ teachers each year alongside a small bag of candied almonds. It’s always a hit!
