Serves 4
30 min
German Glühwein
Recipe GLPR5eacb90f100701
A warm, aromatic spiced wine that's a German holiday favorite. Fresh orange, whole cloves, cinnamon, and star anise are simmered with sugar and water, then combined with dry red wine to create a comforting, fragrant beverage. Perfect for chilly evenings, optionally spiked with rum or amaretto.
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Ingredients
1/2 medium orange
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup turbinado or granulated sugar
10 to 20 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise
1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry red wine
Rum or amaretto, for serving (optional)
Directions
Cut the orange in half and then cut one of the halves into slices or wedges, keeping the peel intact. Set aside.
In a large pot, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the spices into the liquid.
Add the orange slices or wedges to the spiced water and let simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the pot and stir well to combine. Heat over medium-low heat until steaming hot (around 160 to 170°F), but do not allow it to boil.
Taste and adjust sweetness with additional sugar if desired. Remove from heat and let steep for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Strain the glühwein through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving pitcher, discarding the whole spices and orange slices.
Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs. If desired, add a splash of rum or amaretto to each serving. Serve immediately while hot.
