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Two glass mugs filled with mulled wine (gluewein) garnished with an orange wedge, star anise, and a cinnamon stick.

Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: German
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 95kcal
Author: Kris Longwell
Mulled Wine (Glühwein) is perfect for sipping by the fire, or out on the slopes, or when friends and family come over. Make a big batch, keep it warm in your slow cooker, and you'll be very happy, even if the weather outside is frightful!
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Equipment

  • Medium-sized pot for simmering
  • Slow-cooker for keeping warm (optional)

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles red wine see NOTES for best wine to use
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 oranges sliced, divided
  • 6 cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup brandy optional, for extra warmth
  • ½ cup Triple Sec optional, adds a bright, citrusy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a medium pot, combine the red wine and apple cider.
    2 bottles red wine, 1 cup apple cider
  • Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and juniper berries. Heat gently over low to medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil!
    2 oranges, 6 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries
  • Stir in the honey.
    ½ cup maple syrup
  • Add the brandy, Triple Sec, and vanilla extract. Heat for another 5 minutes. Strain to remove the spices and orange slices, if desired.
    ½ cup brandy, ½ cup Triple Sec, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs, garnish with fresh orange slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise.

Video

Notes

When selecting wine, Beaujolais (or Beaujolais Nouveau) is always our first choice and is usually available just in time for the holiday season. Other wonderful options include Pinot Noir, Malbec, Syrah, or even a nice Cabernet.
Make sure you simmer the mulled wine over low heat.  If you bring it to a boil, it will reduce the liquid, as well as cook out all of the alcohol. 
The mulled wine can be made a day in advance, and then gently reheated over low heat before serving.
The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if serving a larger gathering.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg