How to Make Glühwein: German Mulled Wine

Make Glühwein by gently warming wine with spices, citrus and sugar, infusing, then straining. Do not boil it. Use whole spices or a prepared blend, following the appropriate directions.

Here is a small-batch version for an evening at home, followed by ways to simplify the preparation with German mulling spices.

What do you need for a small batch of Glühwein?

For about four small servings, gather:

• 750 ml red wine
• 1 vanilla pod
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 2 cardamom pods
• About 60 g brown sugar, adjusted to taste
• ½ untreated orange, washed and thinly sliced

This ingredient list and method are adapted from Dr. Oetker’s Glühwein recipe. Use heatproof mugs or glasses suitable for hot drinks.

How do you warm and infuse the wine?

1. Put the wine, split vanilla pod and scraped seeds in a saucepan.
2. Add the other spices, sugar and orange.
3. Warm without boiling; infuse for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain, adjust sweetness and serve hot.

A closed paper tea filter makes the spices easier to remove.

Can you use a prepared mulling-spice blend instead?

Yes. Choose one approach before you start:

• Whole spices: use the recipe above when you want to measure the individual ingredients.
• A loose blend: Edora Glühwein & Punch Spice is an alternative to assembling a spice collection. Follow its packet for quantities and preparation.
• Spice bags: Teekanne Glühfix Mulling Spice offers a bagged option that is easy to remove after infusing.

Do not add a full dose of a prepared blend on top of the whole-spice recipe. Start with the instructions on the package in your kitchen: pack sizes and formulations can differ between markets.

How can you make an alcohol-free version?

Start with juice instead of wine. Teekanne’s German Glühfix instructions recommend grape juice as the alcohol-free alternative. Follow your packet’s preparation directions, then taste before adding sugar because juice brings its own sweetness.

For mixed company, make separate batches and label the serving vessels clearly. Heating ordinary wine is not a method for guaranteeing an alcohol-free drink.

What makes serving it easier?

Set out heatproof cups, a ladle and a small tray for used spice bags before guests arrive. For a modest gathering, begin with one batch rather than a large pot that sits through the evening. Offer orange slices separately so guests can choose their garnish.

Glühwein FAQ

Do you have to use red wine?

No. Teekanne’s Glühfix directions allow dry red or white wine. The whole-spice recipe above uses red wine.

Do you need a special machine?

No. A saucepan, strainer and suitable cups are enough for this recipe.

Are mulling-spice bags ready-to-drink Glühwein?

No. They supply the seasoning; you still add the liquid specified on the package.