Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (2024)

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Learn my super-simple secret to making the best mulled wine recipe ever! The important step is pretty easy to pull off, but it adds an incredible boost of flavour that really separates it from any other mulled wine recipe out there. Seriously - if you serve this to friends and family, absolutely everyone will be asking for your recipe!

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Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (1)

Before we get into the big secret, I need to let you know one little thing. This mulled wine needs to be left to sit forfive days. Sure, you can drink it as soon as you make it (in which case it'll only take you 30 mins to make) but it's a million times better if you leave it for the full five days. This gives the rich flavours of red wine, cinnamon and citrus plenty of time to infuse and develop, resulting in what really is the best mulled wine recipe ever.

So now we've got that out of the way, I'd better spill the beans, right? Okay, here we go. My secret to making the best mulled wine is caramelisation. I caramelise the sugar with the spices before I add the wine to the pan. Simple, right?

Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (2)

Caramelising the sugar not only adds a slight caramel flavour, but it also helps bring out the aromas of the spices. While we're talking about spices, I only use 2 - cinnamon and nutmeg. I've found that these are the 2 spices that people really love. My boyfriendSome people can be a bit funny about cloves and star anise. So if you want a delicious mulled wine recipe that everyone will love, this is it.

In the baking world, there's kinda a big debate on caramelisation. Do you stir the brown sugar? Or do you swirl it? If you watch The Great British Bake Off, you'll know this can seriously divide people! In this recipe at least, it doesn't matter. Do whichever you prefer. As long as you don't burn the sugar, you're good to go.

Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (3)

A lot of the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process, so this mulled wine recipe isn't that strong. If you want something with a bit of a kick (for example, if you've got family round this Christmas!) you want my vodka-spiked mulled wine recipe. That stuff will put a smile on your face, no matter how family festive arguments you've had!

I always find that drinking Christmas drinks out of special glasses just makes everything feel a bit more magical, you know? So while you're treating family and friends to a couple of glasses of the best mulled wine recipe, why not treat yourself to a new set of fancy glasswear? Here are a couple of sets Ilove!

P.S. Are you a stirrer or a swirler? Let me know in the comments!

📖 Recipe

Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (8)

The Best Mulled Wine Recipe

Learn my secret to making the best mulled wine recipe ever! The secret step is really simple, but it adds an incredible boost of flavour. Everyone will want to know how you made it!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 bottle (750ml) red wine at room temperature
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup grapefruit juice
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds

Instructions

  • Place the sugar, cinnamon stick and grated nutmeg into a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Watch over the pan until the sugar begins to melt (around 5 minutes). At this point, use a metal spoon to stir the sugar so it melts evenly.

  • When the sugar is fully melted, pour in the red wine. The sugar will harden, but this is fine. Continue stirring, scraping the spoon along the bottom of the pan to remove the hardened sugar.

  • When all the sugar has separated from the bottom of the pan, add the orange juice, grapefruit juice and orange slices into the saucepan. Leave over a medium-low heat for a further 20 minutes to allow the flavours to become bolder and the sugar to dissolve.

  • Sieve the mulled wine into a jug (optional: add the orange slices back into the jug) and leave to cool to room temperature. When cooled, cover the jug's opening with some plastic wrap and leave to stand for 5 days before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal

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Comments

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  1. Patty Beisel

    I have never made mulled wine. Your recipe sounds very good. What type of red wine do you suggest and do you refrigerate it for the 5 days or leave at room temperature?

    • Nicola

      Thanks so much, Patty! Apart from mulled wine and sangria, I don't drink red wine at all and I know nothing about it! But I can tell you that I use the cheapest of the cheap stuff (literally €0.99 a bottle!) and it tastes amazing. I also leave it to sit at room temperature for the 5 days. thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you love this mulled wine as much as we do.

      Reply

  2. Brian

    Good questions Patty, I also had them.

    Reply

    • Nicola

      Hi Brian, thanks so much for stopping by! I just answered Patty's questions are here are my answers: Apart from mulled wine and sangria, I don't drink red wine at all and I know nothing about it! But I can tell you that I use the cheapest of the cheap stuff (literally €0.99 a bottle!) and it tastes amazing. I also leave it to sit at room temperature for the 5 days.

      Reply

  3. Kate

    How long will it last once it has set the 5 days? Can it be refrigerated and then a cup heated up as needed?

    Reply

    • Nicola

      Hi Kate! If you cover the jug with plastic wrap, or pour the whole thing into a container with a lid, you can definitely keep the mulled wine in the fridge and warm up a cup in the microwave whenever you want one. You'll be able to store it like this for up to 2 weeks. (If it lasts that long!)

      Reply

  4. Padma

    Do you suggest sweet red wine? Cuz mine is sweet and I'm sure it affects the amount of sugar.

    Reply

    • Nicola

      Hey, Padma! I really think it depends how sweet you like your mulled wine. If you like sweet things, use a sweet mulled wine and add the full 1/4 cup sugar. If you're not a fan of sweet drinks, reduce the sugar down to 2 tablespoons if you're using a sweet red wine. You can always taste the wine when it's simmering and add a little more if you think it needs it 🙂

      Reply

  5. Allyson

    Can you do this and not let it sit for 5 days?

    Reply

    • Nicola

      Hi Allyson,
      You can do - the flavour just won't develop as well.

      Reply

  6. Connie

    5?star amazing flavor after 5 days. I used cab sav Bota box wine. It is a keeper. Good at room temp. Will have a glass warm next.

    Reply

Best Mulled Wine Recipe - Gluhwein Recipe | Happy Healthy Motivated (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between mulled wine and Glühwein? ›

Gluhwein is the German term for a hot spiced wine (It is actually spelled gluehwein, or there are two dots, (an umlaut) over the letter 'u'). Mulled wine is an English language term for hot spiced wine. They may not taste the same because there are many recipes that people have to make hot spice wine.

Which wine is best for Glühwein? ›

Zinfandels, Merlots, Syrah/Shiraz, or Garnache tend to work best. Avoid red wines high in tannins or have an oaky flavor, and avoid light reds. Sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to have a full-bodied, fruity flavor, can work in a pinch, as can Malbec, which tends to have a bold, spicy flavor.

What is the difference between glögg and Glühwein? ›

What is the difference between glögg and glühwein? Glögg is a popular winter drink in the Nordic countries, while glühwein is enjoyed in German-speaking countries. What connects these two drinks? Glögg is an essential part of the winter season in Sweden as well as the other Nordic countries.

How do you make St Christopher Glühwein? ›

Christopher Gluhwein red wine. Pour whole bottle of wine into sauce pan. Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks, handful of walnuts, handful of raisins or craisins, 3/4-1 orange as slices.

What is the best mulled wine variety? ›

The best red wine to use for mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache). These wines are dark, fruity and full bodied, which means they can support all of the flavors we'll be adding. Look for labels that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.”

Is mulled wine healthy? ›

The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits. Resveratrol is associated with heart health benefits and may help protect the lining of blood vessels, lower bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. When consumed in moderation, red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Does Trader Joes have Glühwein? ›

Here in the States, they call it Hark and Holly Glühwein. And at Trader Joe's, we call it one of our favorite ways to keep warm during the holidays.

Why do Germans drink Glühwein? ›

Glühwein is traditionally served at stalls at Christmas markets across Germany and Austria to keep people warm as they shop and socialize. This recipe is for the German Glühwein, which literally translates to glow-wine, because of how you feel after you've been drinking tiny mugs outside in December.

How long should you heat mulled wine? ›

Method. Put the red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar in a large pan. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins. Remove from the heat and cool, leaving to infuse for about 30 mins.

What is Glühwein with rum called? ›

Another popular variant of Glühwein in Germany is Feuerzangenbowle. It shares the same recipe, but for this drink a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and allowed to drip into the wine. Polish type of Glühwein is called Grzaniec.

Does Aldi sell Glühwein? ›

Glühwein Mulled Wine 1l | ALDI.

How much alcohol is in Aldi Glühwein? ›

Aldi Gluhwein

It felt thin yet it had an ABV of 8%, making it one of the strongest wines we tried. I didn't feel the high price tag of 60p per 100ml was justified.

What's the difference between mulled wine and Glühwein? ›

Mulled wine is hot spiced wine. Gluhwein is a German term for exactly the same. However, they might not necessarily taste the same way because there are so many different recipes, spice mixes and wines to choose from.

How long does homemade Glühwein last? ›

On the off chance that you have mulled wine left over, you can store it right in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely and place it in airtight jars or containers for up to 3 days. Remember to remove the whole spices before storing it, and then simply reheat on the stovetop or in your slow cooker on “warm.”

What to eat with Glühwein? ›

Festive Sweets: Traditional Christmas treats like gingerbread, mince pies, or stollen are an excellent pairing. Their spices harmonise with the wine's own blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Savoury Snacks: Try a glass with some pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, or even a simple bruschetta.

What is another name for Glühwein? ›

Mulled wine
Mulled wine served in glass mugs at a Christmas market in Germany
Alcohol by volume0–15%
IngredientsWine (red), spices and fruit
VariantsGlühwein, Glögg, and many others

What is an alternative to Glühwein? ›

Although it's a Christmas favourite there are a variety of delicious alternatives that are just as tasty.
  • Wassail. ...
  • Brandy Flip. ...
  • Glögg. ...
  • Cranberry Punch. ...
  • Mulled cider. ...
  • Egg Nog. ...
  • Coquito. ...
  • Gingerbread Coffee.
Dec 6, 2017

What is another name for mulled wine? ›

Mulled wine goes by many names—spiced wine, hot wine, glögg, glühwein, and vin chaud are a few I hear used interchangeably. As far as I know, they all essentially refer to the same drink, although the spices and booze of choice may vary depending on the region.

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