Mulled Wine (Gluhwein)
A warming German holiday drink of red wine gently heated with orange, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise — the quintessential Christmas market mug that fills the kitchen with the scent of winter spices.
Ingredients
- 750 ml dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 navel orange, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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1
Combine the 750 ml dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon), 1 sliced into rounds navel orange, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 2 star anise pods, and 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods in a medium saucepan.
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2
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and the wine just begins to steam. Do not let it boil — high heat drives off the alcohol and makes the wine bitter.
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3
Reduce heat to the lowest setting and stir in the 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Let the mulled wine steep for 15 minutes, keeping it hot but not simmering.
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4
Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar if desired.
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5
Strain into heat-safe mugs, discarding the spices. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.