We first discovered Glühwein (Mulled Wine) while visiting beautiful Salzburg, Austria, during the Christmas season many years ago. With one sip, you are immediately comforted and reminded of how beautiful the holidays are. And it is easy to prepare and can be made a day in advance!
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🍷 The Ingredients
The ingredients for Glühwein combine a rich blend of dry red wine, warm spices, citrus, sweeteners, and a splash of spirits to create a fragrant and comforting mulled wine. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions) below.
📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Dry Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied, dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir; avoid overly tannic or oaky wines for best flavor.
Substitution: You can use a fruity rosé or even a non-alcoholic red grape juice for a kid-friendly version. - Apple Cider: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
Substitution: Use fresh apple juice or pear juice if apple cider isn’t available. - Spices (Cloves, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Juniper Berries): Whole spices provide warmth and complexity.
Substitution: Ground spices can be used in a pinch, but use less to avoid overpowering the drink. - Sweeteners (Maple Syrup): Adds a rich, mellow sweetness with a hint of caramel.
Substitution: Honey, brown sugar, or agave syrup works well as an alternative. - Brandy and Triple Sec: Boost the alcohol content and add layers of flavor.
Substitution: Use orange liqueur alone or omit spirits for a milder drink. - Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma.
Substitution: Vanilla bean or a small pinch of vanilla powder can be used.
See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏼🍳 How To Make Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
- Step 1: Pour the wine and the apple cider into a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Step 2: Stir in the orange slices.
- Step 3: Next, stir in the cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and juniper berries. Cook on low for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the maple syrup.
- Step 5: Finally, stir in the brandy, Triple Sec, and vanilla extract. Let it heat for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve in heatproof mugs and garnish with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Expert Tip
For the best flavor, gently simmer your Glühwein over low heat—avoid boiling—to preserve the wine’s delicate aromas and prevent bitterness, and let it steep with the spices for at least 20-30 minutes to fully develop that warm, cozy complexity.
🎄How To Serve Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
- Serve warm: Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof mugs or glasses to keep it cozy and comforting.
- Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a few whole cloves for a festive touch and extra aroma.
- Pair with snacks: Serve alongside baked brie with cranberries, holiday cookies, roasted spiced nuts, or the perfect charcuterie board for a perfect holiday pairing.
- Keep warm: Use a slow cooker or a stovetop on very low heat to keep the Glühwein warm throughout your gathering.
- Optional extras: Offer extra brandy or orange liqueur on the side for guests who want a stronger drink.
- Non-alcoholic option: Prepare a batch without wine using apple cider and spices for guests who prefer no alcohol.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
A medium-bodied, dry red wine with fruity notes works best, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir.
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and gently reheat it before serving to allow the flavors to meld even more.
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling; simmer gently to preserve the wine’s delicate flavors and prevent bitterness.
Absolutely! Substitute the wine with apple cider or grape juice and omit the brandy and liqueurs for a delicious alcohol-free alternative.
Yes, you can add more sweetener or spices to taste during the simmering process to suit your preference.
Maison-Gabrielle, based in Paris, France, is renowned for its high-quality spices that elevate the flavor of mulled wine. Use code HOWTOFEEDALOON for 10% off your full order.
🍹 More Festive Cocktail Recipes
Ready to make the best mulled wine this side of the North Pole? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and #HowToFeedaLoon!
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Video
Equipment
- Medium-sized pot for simmering
- Slow-cooker for keeping warm (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 bottles red wine see NOTES for best wine to use
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 oranges sliced, divided
- 6 cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish
- 3 star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brandy optional, for extra warmth
- ½ cup Triple Sec optional, adds a bright, citrusy flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the red wine and apple cider.2 bottles red wine, 1 cup apple cider
- Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and juniper berries. Heat gently over low to medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil!2 oranges, 6 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries
- Stir in the honey.½ cup maple syrup
- Add the brandy, Triple Sec, and vanilla extract. Heat for another 5 minutes. Strain to remove the spices and orange slices, if desired.½ cup brandy, ½ cup Triple Sec, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs, garnish with fresh orange slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Kacie says
OMGGGGG, y’all. I can’t wait to make this for Christmas Eve!
Kris Longwell says
You’re gonna love it!! Really gets you in the holiday spirit!!! Merry Christmas!!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Barbara says
Hey Guys,
Love it. Wanted to wish you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year “2021”.
I love your recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Kris Longwell says
Merry Christmas, Barbara!!! Thank you so much!!! Happy 2021!!!!! xoxoxo Kris & Wesley
Colleen Simmers says
I am a long time viewer and love you guys so much. I only had mulled wine once and it was so awesome. Since then I developed a bad allergy to citrus. Do you have any ideas on what I can do to make this without oranges and lemon?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Colleen! Well, we suggest just leaving it out, or using lemon-flavored water in place of the water. It’s still going to be delicious, even without the citrus. Let us know how it turns out if you make it! And happy holidays and sending so much love back to you, too!!!! xoxoxo