German Gluhwein Recipe and Perfect Mulled Wine Spices Blend

By Coravin

Hand pouring mulled wine into festive mugs with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks, set on a rustic wooden table with holiday bokeh lights in the background.

‘Tis the Season... Glühwein Season!

One of the most festive ways to enjoy wine during the holidays is with warm, German Glühwein—also known as mulled wine. You’ll catch the aroma of its signature spices wafting through every Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) across Germany, Austria, and other European cities throughout December. It’s the perfect drink to keep you cozy on a cold winter’s night.

A Brief History of Mulled Wine

The exact origins of mulled wine aren’t known, but references to hot, spiced wine date back to Roman times. It’s likely the tradition spread as the Romans conquered much of Europe. Today, Glühwein—or Vin Chaud (“hot wine”) in France—is a holiday staple at traditional Christmas markets across Europe. Visitors sip this warming cocktail as they browse the festive stalls, celebrating the season in true holiday spirit.

Key Mulled Wine Ingredients

This holiday classic is typically made with red wine, citrus, sugar, and an aromatic blend of spices such as cloves, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, and star anise. When choosing a wine, opt for something young, bright, and fruity. A California red blend, Argentinian Malbec, Shiraz, or West Coast Pinot Noir are all excellent choices.

German Glühwein Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 oranges, juiced

  • 2 oranges, zested

  • ¼ cup cane sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

  • 10 whole cloves

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 5–6 cardamom pods (optional)

  • 4–5 whole star anise (optional)

  • 2 (750 mL) bottles of red wine

  • Rum or brandy (optional)

Directions

  1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from 2 oranges in wide strips, avoiding the white pith. Set aside, then juice all 4 oranges into a large pot.

  2. Add the sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring until dissolved.

  3. Add the orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. Simmer for 1 minute.

  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the wine. Cover and warm gently for about 1 hour, making sure it doesn’t simmer or boil.

  5. Serve warm in mugs with an optional shot of rum or brandy.

Share your Glühwein creations with us on social! Tag @Coravin to spread the holiday cheer.