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Germans are known to keep their traditional wine pretty basic and simple. However, you can tweak and experiment a little with this wine. Add cardamom, vanilla, ginger or even black pepper. This wine is often associated with fruits and spices.
Mulled wine needs to be heated, so it should be served warm. Garnish the sides of the glass with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick. This wine goes well with food, hence you can enjoy it during dinner or lunch. This type of wine is ideal for refreshment, just to enjoy the flavour and depth of aroma.
Here's a traditional and basic recipe of Gluhwein that you would find at a German Christmas market.
Ingredients ( serves 8 )
2 cups water
1 cup orange juice
1 ½ cups sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
8 whole allspice berries
8 juniper berries
1 star anise pod
2 oranges
10 whole cloves
1 lemon ( cut it in half )
1 ½ cup brandy
Cinnamon stick and orange twists for garnishing
Method
- Mix water, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, pepper and anise star in a saucepan and heat. Boil the mixture and bring to a boil.
- Squeeze the orange halves into the boiling liquid. Chop the remaining skin into pieces and carefully transfer to a jar. Add the juniper berries. Then add the lemon juice to the boiling liquid and place the halves in the pan.
- Reduce the volume of the mixture to half the original volume, add the brandy and heat until tender. Pour into serving cups and garnish the drink with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Serve this during a festive gathering or do yourself a favour and maybe for your special one. It is ideal for long nights, ceremonies and enjoying the holiday spirit. It tastes like heaven and makes the house smell wonderful.
