How to Make German Glühwein at Home

Are you looking for an easy Glühwein recipe to make at home? Good news, you came to the right place! We took our experience from European Christmas Markets and created this recipe so we can make German Glühwein at home!

Imagine yourself on a cold, winter day. First, you and your family are snuggled up on the couch watching holiday movies and then you are in the mood for a courageous beverage. However, you aren’t in the mood for a cold drink and no matter how many blankets you put on you are still a bit cold (…Courtney).

Well, we may just have a perfect holiday solution for all those 21+ adults out there! Here is how we brought our taste of Europe home and made German Glühwein (Mulled Wine)!

Speaking of Germany, one of the main reasons we went to Cologne last holiday break is to indulge ourselves in the beautiful Christmas Markets that we have heard so much about. We did not know entirely what we were getting ourselves into, but what we got in return was much, much more. Cologne blew us away!

Preparation is key. Exploring the Christmas markets, tasting the amazing cuisine, playing a few games or simply observing the culture will take a few hours, if done right.

HOWEVER, the main question I always pondered was…how do I stay warm during one of the country’s coldest months!? (Disclaimer, I am from Atlanta, Georgia…)

That’s when we discovered a gem.

We noticed everyone in the markets were drinking a hot beverage. Call me naïve, but I thought everyone was drinking hot tea or cocoa. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that everyone was drinking hot wine, or Glühwein!

Now we like wine, a lot…but hot wine made me think twice.

Trust me, don’t knock it until you try it. It’s a great beverage with a “holiday kick” to it! I can confidently say, sipping on one (or a few) of these kept my mind off the cold and gave me much more appreciation for the German culture!

Whether you live in Europe and can normally experience these Christmas Markets or if you live in the States and have never been, you’re going to want to try this Glühwein recipe especially since most Christmas Markets are closed because ya know, 2020.

Here is easy Glühwein recipe to make at home!

Glühwein Recipe:

4 cups of red wine
10 whole cloves
1-2 oranges sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
¾ cup white sugar
Optional: Add brandy, rum, or whisky

Steps:

Using a crockpot, pour wine and combine ingredients on a low temperature. Occasionally mix and stir. (45 minutes)
Move temperature to warm/simmer once prepared to serve.
Garnish mug with an orange peel and consume…a few!