Every culture has its own version of mulled wine. The concept is basically the same, though the ingredients may vary a bit. Some call for star anise, others omit the orange and many may call for a different type of red wine as the base.
Whether it is called mulled wine, spiced wine or wine brulée, they all have one thing in common...they taste scrum-deli-icious! And it warms you from the inside out.
My BGF (like BFF, but meaning best German friend) Elke, was kind enough to share her Countries version of this treat, mainly served around the holiday season. You can find this on offer at just about any German Christmas market worth its weight in pfeffernussen.
It is called Glühwein. Pronounced gloo-vine.
Here is her family recipe:
Glühwein
3/4 cup water
34 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 large seedless orange, cut in half
10 whole cloves
1 bottle Merlot
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In a large pot, heat up wine and the juice of one half of the orange.
Cut the other orange half into 1/2 inch slices and add to the pot along with the cloves.
In a small pot, bring water, sugar and cinnamon stick to a boil, reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes, until thick and syrupy.
Add to wine and serve!
Let's toast with an authentic German cheer...Prost! or Zum Wohl!
And a very Merry Christmas Eve....
Have you ever tried mulled wine? How do you prefer yours? What culture holds your favorite recipe?
