Glühwein German Mulled Wine / Munich & Nuremburg

There is one drink during the Christmas season that Germans (and Austrians) treasure: Glühwein German Mulled Wine.   A hot and spiced mulled wine is a great beverage to offer your guests.  It will surely warm their insides when the weather is cold outside.

In December, mulled wine stands are ubiquitous at the famous German Christmas markets, known as ‘Christkindlmärkte‘.  Thousands of glühwein fans cuddle up together in the cold, sipping glühwein from festive mugs specifically designed for each different year.

Wow, after only a few sips of this hot brew of spices, sugar, citrus, wine, and booze, I guarantee you that you will feel no cold whatsoever. 

red wine simmers with fresh fruit and spices when preparing Glühwein German Mulled Wine

Glühwein stands abound in German and Austrian Christkindelmarkets

Some of the stands look like gingerbread houses straight out of a storybook!

Glühwein stands are literally everywhere, so anyone can refill their cup anywhere

thousands of people crowded around Christmas stands to purchase and sip on hot Glühwein at Germany’s Christkindl markets.

people really get into the spirit of Christmas at the markets and have a lot of good fun!

crowds everywhere enjoying mugs of warm Glühwein while nibbling on traditional Christmas foods

huge copper cauldrons of simmering Glühwein at this stand — how gorgeous are those?

a vendor scooping out a fresh serving of hot Glühwein from one of the copper cauldrons

each ‘Christkindlesmarkt’ has a different mug, which also changes every year. This mug is from the famous Nuremberg market.

While in Germany, you can even purchase Glühwein to bring home!

the huge size and scope of the Nuremberg ‘Christkindlemarkt’ is far too large for just one photo!

More Holiday Beverages To Enjoy!

The Best, Creamy, Loaded Eggnog

Festive Cranberry and Pomegranate Bellini

Cranberry, Clementine, and Prosecco Cocktails

Glühwein — German Mulled Wine

5 from 1 review

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients

  

• ▢ 2 medium lemons
• ▢ 2 medium oranges
• ▢ 10 whole cloves
• ▢ 5 cardamom pods
• ▢ 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 1/4 cups water
• ▢ 2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
• ▢ 2 750-milliliter bottles dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Beaujolais Nouveau
• ▢ 1/2 cup brandy
• ▢ Cheesecloth
• ▢ Butcher’s twine

Instructions

 

• Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons and oranges in wide strips, avoiding the white pith; place the zest in a large saucepan.
• Juice the lemons and oranges and add the juice to the pan.
• Place the cloves and cardamom in a small piece of cheesecloth, tie it tightly with butcher’s twine, and add the bundle to the saucepan.
• Add the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks, place the pan over high heat, and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by about one-third, about 20 minutes.
• Add the red wine and brandy, stir to combine, and bring just to a simmer (don’t let it boil).
• Remove from the heat and remove and discard the spice bundle before serving.
• Keep mulled wine warm in a slow cooker and let guests help themselves.

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment and send me a photo to share here on the blog! Or share it on Instagram @italianbellavita or use the hashtag #italianbellavita.