How to make mulled wine / Glühwein
Making mulled wine is a delightful way to warm up on chilly evenings. Here's a simple recipe to make mulled wine:
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel)
1 orange, sliced
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Wine: Pour the red wine into a large pot or saucepan. Heat the wine over medium heat until it's warm, but not boiling. You want to avoid boiling the wine to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Add Spices: While the wine is heating, add the orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
Sweeten: Stir in the honey or sugar to sweeten the mulled wine. Adjust the sweetness to taste, depending on your preference.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the wine.
Add Brandy (Optional): If using brandy, stir it into the mulled wine during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds a delightful depth of flavor and warmth to the drink.
Serve: Once the mulled wine is heated through and infused with the spices, it's ready to serve. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs or glasses, making sure to include some of the orange slices and spices in each serving.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish each mug with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Enjoy: Serve the mulled wine hot and enjoy the cozy warmth and aromatic flavors. It's perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other spices like ginger or cardamom for additional flavor complexity.
Prost!
