Gluehwein German Hot Wine Punch
Warm your winter evenings with Gluehwein, a traditional German hot wine punch that's as comforting as it is festive. This mulled wine recipe combines dry red wine with a medley of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, plus the zesty brightness of orange and lemon peels. Sweetened to perfection and gently simmered—not boiled—to preserve its delicate flavors and warmth, it's finished with an optional splash of brandy for an extra cozy kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleasing beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet nights by the fire. Serve it steaming hot in a mug, garnished with fresh orange slices, and savor the taste of European holiday markets from the comfort of your home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 750 ml Dry red wine
- 1 large Orange
- 1 small Lemon
- 2 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 6 pieces Cloves
- 2 pods Star anise
- 3 pods Cardamom pods (optional)
- 60 g Sugar
- 125 ml Water
- 60 ml Brandy (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions
Wash and dry the orange and lemon. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel off the zest from both, avoiding the bitter white pith. Slice the orange into thin rounds for garnish and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods (if using), and citrus peels.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with the spices and citrus flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and add the red wine to the saucepan. Warm the wine gently, stirring occasionally, but do not let it boil as boiling will compromise the flavor and alcohol content.
Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. For a richer flavor, stir in the optional brandy.
Once the wine is heated through and the flavors are well combined (about 20 minutes), turn off the heat and strain the mixture to remove the spices and citrus peels.
Ladle the Gluehwein into mugs, garnish with the reserved orange slices, and serve hot. Enjoy your cozy German treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1183 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.9 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 82 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 121.2 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 80.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 339 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1570 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
