Glühwein – German Mulled Wine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Drinks
Description
Mulled wine is a classic German drink enjoyed during the festive season. The sweet, citrusy flavour wards away the winter snap and the fragrantly spiced alcohol gives a warm glow – hence its name ‘glow wine’.
Ingredients
½ C (125 ml) sugar
1 C (250 ml) water
1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
½ vanilla bean pod, split lengthways
1 star anise pod
4 cloves
750 ml dry red wine
¼ C (60 ml) brandy (optional)
Instructions
Place the water and sugar to a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Using a knife peel the orange; add the rind to the saucepan, and then juice the orange and add the juice to the sugar mixture.
Increase the heat and add the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, star anise and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes and allow the liquid to reduce the to a syrupy consistency.
Once the mixture has reduced, turn the heat down and allow the mixture to cool sufficiently enough to add the wine. You do not want the mixture to be boiling at this point, as it will burn off the alcohol. If including the brandy, add to the mixture and allow it to heat through.
Pour into serving glasses and serve immediately.
