Aromatic spices and delicious blueberries infuse this cozy, easy, and flavorful German mulled wine (Glühwein) recipe!
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The name "Glühwein" is derived from German, where "Glüh-" means "glow" and "-Wein" means "wine." The term "glow" here refers to the hot irons once used for mulling (heating and spicing) the wine.
Drinking mulled wine at Christmas markets and during the holiday season is a cherished tradition in Germany and nearby countries like Sweden, Austria, and France. Each region often has its unique take on the recipe, typically through the addition or omission of certain ingredients.
There are many versions of Glühwein out there, and this particular version includes blueberries, which lend a unique sweetness and extra fruity notes to the drink.
ingredients you will need
- red wine - go for fruity red wine types, with a moderate amount of tannin. Varieties such as Merlot, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all great options. It doesn't have to be expensive, just decent enough for you to drink.
- frozen blueberries.
- brown sugar - adds sweetness and helps cut down the acidity from the wine.
- oranges - other types of citrus fruits such as lemons or tangerines, can also be used. Just don't go for limes as these tend to be too acidic.
- spices - cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cloves.
- brandy, amaretto or schnapps.
how to make it
- Wash the oranges thoroughly in hot water, squeeze out the juice and reserve the leftover orange pieces.
- Add frozen blueberries and the squeezed orange juice to a pot. Stir to combine, warm under low heat until thawed, then process using a hand blender.
- Add the reserved orange pieces, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, and cloves.
- With the heat still set on low, cover, and warm for 25-30 minutes, stirring from time to time. Cook longer for a more intense flavor, but do not let it boil.
- Add the alcohol, sieve, pour into glasses, garnish and serve warm.
Related recipes: For more delicious drink recipes, make our Lumumba drink, Pink gin spritz, and blueberry bliss smoothie, next!
quick tips
- Washing the oranges in hot water helps remove wax, normally coated on oranges to extend their shelf life. It also enhances their aroma.
- For a more intensive flavor, cook the Glühwein under low heat for 50-60 minutes.
- Keep the Glühwein from boiling as this might make some of the alcohol evaporate. A temperature of between 72°C and 75°C is ideal.
- Serve it in heat-proof containers, and stay away from utensils made of tin, brass, copper, or aluminum. These materials can react with the wine and possibly leave harmful substances in the Glühwein.
- Adjust the amount of spice or sugar to suit your taste. The sugar can also be substituted for honey and the frozen blueberries substituted for fresh ones.
storage
Glühwein tastes best served immediately but should you have leftovers, transfer this to airtight containers and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To use, reheat under low heat until warmed up; do not let it boil.
more German recipes
- Kalter Hund - German no-bake biscuit cake
- German Savoy Cabbage - Wirsing.
- German Celery Root Salad
- Bohnensalat - Green bean salad with cream.
- Eiersalat - Egg salad with apple.
- German French Toast.
📖 Recipe
Glühwein - German Mulled Wine
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 2 oranges
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml or about 25 ounces)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ cup brandy dark rum or schnapps
Garnish
- 4 slices of orange
- 4 cinnamon sticks or star anise
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly in hot water, squeeze out the juice and reserve the leftover orange pieces.
- Add frozen blueberries and the squeezed-out orange juice to a pot. Stir to combine, warm under low heat until thawed, then process using a hand blender.
- Add the reserved orange pieces, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg. With the heat still set on low, cover, and warm for 25-30 minutes, stirring from time to time (see notes). Do not let it boil.
- Add the brandy, sieve, pour into glasses, garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- For a more intensive flavor, cook the Glühwein under low heat for 50-60 minutes.
- Washing the oranges in hot water helps remove wax, normally coated on oranges to extend their shelf life. It also enhances their aroma.
- Keep the Glühwein from boiling as this might make some of the alcohol evaporate. A temperature of between 72°C and 75°C is ideal.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste; fresh blueberries can be used in place of the frozen ones.
jane
I love this Glühwein - German Mulled Wine. So easy to make but so flavorful!
Libby
Amazing! The flavors are so rich and delicious.
Marsali
perfect for our girls trip, thanks!
Ashley
Our guests loved this recipe, will make again!!
Julianna E
Can't believe how easy and delicious this mulled wine was. Definitely making it again.