This German mulled wine is the perfect Christmas drink! It’s prepared from red wine that is heated and flavored with Christmas spices and oranges. So delicious and perfect for cold days! And it’s ready in just 10 minutes!
I’m usually not a big fan of red wine, but I sure LOVE mulled wine. I absolutely love the smell of this German mulled wine! Is there really a better way to enjoy Christmas season?!
What is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is hot alcoholic beverage that is made with red wine and various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star ansiseed, and nutmeg. Sometimes you can also find orange slices and vanilla pods.
Mulled wine is usually served during winter, especially during the Christmas season.
It’s very popular in the United Kingdom as well as in Germany, where it is known as Gluhwein. Gluhwein is often served at Christmas markets in Germany and Austia. The German spelling is “Glühwein” with two little dots on the “u”.
You can either buy store-bought mulled wine or make your own at home, which is super easy. To make it even easier, you could also use prepackaged mulling spices.
It’s also possible to make non-alcoholic version of mulled wine by using fruit juice and similar mulling spices. Mulled apple juice is also super tasty!
What You Need For This Mulled Wine Recipe:
- red wine (a fruity version like Merlot is best)
- brown rum (optional)
- orange slices
- freshly squeezed orange juice
- cloves
- cinnamon sticks
- star aniseed
- brown sugar
As always, you can find the full ingredient list and the recipe instructions in a separate recipe box at the end of this post.
Simple Mulled Wine Recipe – How To Make Mulled Wine
STEP 1: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well.
STEP 2: Heat it up for a couple of minutes over very low heat. Make sure not boil the mulled wine because then the alcohol will evaporate and it won’t taste right.
STEP 3: Strain through a sieve and serve hot in heat-resistant glasses or mugs.
Mulled Wine – Recipe Notes:
- I used orange juice and sliced oranges for my mulled wine, which is a perfect addition to the mulled wine spices. It smells and tastes so much like Christmas! I highly recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice and not store-bought orange juice. It makes a big difference!
- Make sure not boil the mulled wine because then the alcohol will evaporate and it won’t taste right. So only heat it up over very low heat.
- Fruity and sweet wines are the best for mulled wine. Merlot is a very good choice for mulled wine or Gluhwein.
- You could also easily make a non-alcoholic version of this mulled wine by using grape juice. Or you could also use apple juice instead. However, leave out the sliced oranges and the orange juice if you’re using apple juice.
Mulled Wine Spices
Popular spices for mulled wine are:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspices
- Nutmeg
- Star anise
- Dried fruits such as orange rind or apples
You can either make your own mulling spices or buy a spice mixture, which you can use for mulled wine or hot apple cider. Homemade mulling spices always make a great gift!
Mulled Wine – FAQs:
Are mulled wine and gluhwein the same?
Yes, mulled wine and Gluhwein are very similar. Both terms refer to hot spiced wine that is popular in the winter.
While Gluhwein (or actually Glühwein) refers to the German version, mulled wine is English language term for this kind of hot alcoholic beverage.
As there are many regional varieties, mulled wine and Gluhwein could taste slightly different. Of course it also depends on what kind of spices and red wine you are using.
There are also other terms that refer to the same kind of drink like vin chaud in France meaning warm wine.
So each country has its own take on this winter drink, but it mostly consists of the same ingredients.
Is mulled wine vegan?
There is no yes or no answer to this question. The question whether mulled wine is vegan or not depends on the wine you’re using.
Many people don’t know that animal-derived products are used to make wine. Of course it mainly consist of grapes, but during the winemaking process substances known as “fining agents” are used to filter the wine.
Those substances can be made of milk protein, bone marrow, egg whites, gelatin, or fish bladder membranes. However, there are also other options to filter wine, so it’s possible to make vegan wine. Often it’s clearly labeled as vegan.
So it’s possible to make vegan mulled wine by using vegan wine, but it’s not always vegan.
Can mulled wine be reheated?
Yes, you can easily reheat mulled wine. Just reheat in a small pot over very low heat. Make sure it’s not boiling.
Can you drink mulled wine cold?
Of course you could drink mulled wine cold, but it won’t be very good. It’s best enjoyed hot on a cold winter day. The spices will also have a much stronger flavored when you enjoy mulled wine warm.
How to serve mulled wine
Is mulled wine alcoholic?
Yes, mulled wine is alcoholic. And always remember that since you drink the wine hot it goes to your head extra quick…
Which wine for mulled wine?
Fruity and sweet wines are the best for mulled wine. Merlot is a very good choice for mulled wine or Gluhwein.
More Christmas Recipes You Might Like:
- 33 Vegan Christmas Recipes
- Vegan Christmas Cookies
- Orange Cinnamon Christmas Cookies
- German Stollen with Marzipan
I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU GUYS!
I hope you like this mulled wine recipe as much as we do around here.
If you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think about it. Just leave me a comment and a star rating below. Your comments really make my day!
You like my recipes and want to see more? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
German Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (25.4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons brown rum
- 2 oranges, cut into slices
- 2 juice of two oranges
- 5 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star aniseed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well.
- Heat it up for a couple of minutes over very low heat. Make sure not boil the mulled wine because then the alcohol will evaporate and it won't taste right.
- Strain through a sieve and serve hot in heat-resistant glasses or mugs.
Notes
- I used orange juice and sliced oranges for my mulled wine, which is a perfect addition to the mulled wine spices. It smells and tastes so much like Christmas! I highly recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice and not store-bought orange juice. It makes a big difference!
- Make sure not boil the mulled wine because then the alcohol will evaporate and it won't taste right. So only heat it up over very low heat.
- Fruity and sweet wines are the best for mulled wine. Merlot is a very good choice for mulled wine or Gluhwein.
- You could also easily make a non-alcoholic version of this mulled wine by using grape juice. Or you could also use apple juice instead. However, leave out the sliced oranges and the orange juice if you’re using apple juice.
Made this last year for Christmas. It was a big hit. We loved all the flavors. Was the perfect warm drink for the holiday season. It is now one of our new family traditions.
lovely drink for great occasions.
I love mulled wine but you have made me want to try Feuerzangenbowle now. it sounds fantastic!
Every year I reminisce about Glühwein. You can’t find it (at least not easily) in the U.S., but I’d never thought to make my own! This looks marvelous.
K, you’ve convinced me to make mulled wine! I love red wine (though only in recent years), and so I know this would be divine. Addition of orange is beautiful idea.
I love me some red wine and I love the spices and flavors! I’ve have to skip the rum, lol, but I love all the other ingredients!
How fun! I’ve had mulled wine a few times, but I’ve never made it myself. It sounds so warming & delicious!
I love Glühwein! They sell at the Chicago Christkindlmarket and it comes in the cutest porcelain boot mug. This looks so good, Sina!
You had me at wine! LOL Sounds delicious and the perfect holiday drink!
I love mulled wine, and I love that the German name translates to “glow wine”! That’s so perfect!
Oh yum! I love mulled wine, and this one looks so festive with those oranges and stars if anise!
You are a great photographer! I pinned your recipe to my Christmas group board.