Glühwein (glow wine) is a German hot spiced wine, typically served during the winter months and is especially popular around Christmas time. Corey and I were first introduced to Glühwein this December when we went to the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago. The Chriskindlmarket offers a variety of tradional German fare, such as currywurst, sauerbraten, schnitzel, bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut, and variety of German beers.

The signature drink at the Christkindlmarket has to be the Glühwein, which is served in a cute boot-shaped mug. When we first entered the market almost everyone of drinking age, was holding a mug of Glühwein and I knew if I didn’t try anything else I would have to try the German mulled wine. Glühwein will warm the body and the citrus and spices add a pleasant touch to ordinary red wine. It is the perfect drink on a cold, winter night.

Prost! (Cheers!)

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Glühwein

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Serves

4

Glühwein - German mulled wine. Served hot.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle merlot wine
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 12 whole cloves
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 3 navel oranges (sliced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 vanilla bean (halved)

Directions

Step 1

Place all ingredients into a slow-cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours. Make sure the wine does not reach a boil, as this will greatly reduce the alcohol content. Taste the wine and add more sugar or spices if desired. Strain the wine using a fine mesh sieve. Serve the wine in mugs (don’t use wine glasses, the hot liquid could cause the glass to break). Keep any unused wine in the slow-cooker on warm until ready to use.