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gluehwein recipe

Authentic German Glühwein Recipe

5 from 1 vote
German Glühwein is a warming holiday wine, simmered and flavored with spices. Make a big pot for your next holiday gathering!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: german
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 750 ml Bottle Red Wine I like a hearty Cabernet, but a lighter Merlot will work. Do not use anything expensive, but not cheap either... stick in the middle
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 1-3 oz. Brandy I like Asbach.
  • 1 sliced Orange
  • 4 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 6-8 whole Cloves
  • 8-10 whole Allspice Berries
  • 1-2 whole Star Anise (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Start here... taste when it's done to see if you need more

Equipment

  • Medium pot

Method
 

  1. Set a medium large pot on the stove. Add Wine, Orange Juice and Brandy.
  2. Turn on heat to LOW
  3. Add rest of ingredients - spices, orange slices and sugar
  4. Simmer 30 minutes. DO NOT LET BOIL
    authentic German Gluhwein
  5. Taste for Sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar and taste again.

Notes

Like most German Recipes handed down by Oma's, the recipe for Glühwein is not set in stone. If you like more spices, add more Star Anise or Cinnamon. Want it sweeter? Add sugar. 
Start with the basic recipe, then adjust to your taste. 
This recipe can be doubled or tripled. You are only limited by the size of the pot.