Go Back
steaming mugs of spiced mulled red wine with orange slices and cinnamon sticks, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden table with string lights glowing softly in the background, warm cozy natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Glühwein

The coziest holiday sipper is red wine simmered with citrus, cinnamon, and cloves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp brandy optional

Method
 

  1. Pour the wine into a pot and add the orange slices, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and sugar.
  2. Warm over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, but never let it boil or the alcohol cooks off.
  3. Let it gently steep for 15-20 minutes so the spices bloom.
  4. Stir in the brandy if using, then ladle into mugs through a small strainer.
  5. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick and serve hot.

Notes

Keep it on the lowest possible heat so it stays warm without simmering away.