Glühwein
Mulled Wine (Glühwein) is a wonderful treat that is traditionally served at Christmas time in Germany. It will warm you up on a cold winter day. Most of the major cities in Germany serve this hot yummy beverage in specially made ceramic mugs for different vendors at the Christmas Markets. These mugs are paid for when you purchase the glühwein, if you don’t want to keep it, return it and get your deposit returned (for the mug only). Or you may keep it as a souvenir. You can purchase this gluhwein ready-made or you can make it at home for yourself and family. It is a fun thing to do and to drink at Christmas family gatherings.
Below is a recipe for Glühwein.
2 medium lemons
2 medium oranges
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
5 cardamom pods
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup brandy
2 (750-milliliter) bottles dry red wine,
such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Beaujolais Nouveau
Cheesecloth and Butcher’s twine
Instructions: Remove strips of lemon and orange zest, and place them in a saucepan with the juice. Add a cheesecloth bundle of spices (cloves and cardamom), add sugar, water, and cinnamon, and simmer. Add red wine & brandy, heat, and you’re ready to bring merriment to a holiday party.
