German Glühwein
Ingredients
- 1/2 orange medium
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 12 cloves whole
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 bottle dry red wine (750 ml)
- Rum or amaretto for serving optional
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the orange.
- Combine water and sugar in a pot and boil until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and add cloves, cinnamon, star anise, orange zest, and the juice form the orange. Simmer about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the wine. Let the wine simmer for at least 20 minutes (you can leave it on the stove on low for few hours).
- Strain and serve in small mugs. You can add in a shot of rum or amaretto if desired.
- Garnish with orange, star anise, and/or cinnamon sticks if desired.
Notes
Glühwein is most common at German Christmas markets. Each town will have its own mug design for the annual Christmas market, and each year the design is new. You pay for the glühwein as well as a deposit on the mug. Then you can return the mug or keep it for your collection. Glühwein is really easy to make at home, and it makes a fun addition to a cozy winter evening. Don't use an expensive dry red wine, but do use a wine that you would be happy to drink plain.