Ahhh the holidays and Christmas in particular may be my favorite time of the year. Perhaps it's all the fond memories I have from my childhood and the old German traditions I grew up with. One of them I remember was the smell of Glühwein. Perhaps you've heard it called "mulled wine"...it's that great smelling sweet yet spicy hot wine that's served to guests during the holidays, or if you've ever been to a Christkindlmarket (Christmas Market) you've seen it served there.
I introduced my wife to it a few years back and it's become a tradition and staple in our home during the holidays and so I thought I'd share the recipe with you to help continue the great tradition.
Ingredients:
1 bottle cheap red wine (Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel work great)
1 cup Brandy
1/2 cup sugar
3-4 cinnamon sticks (plus more for serving)
12-15 cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg (fresh is best)
2 oranges (one just for juicing)
Instructions:
- 1. Cut orange into slices and then half them. stick 3 cloves into each orange slice.
- 2. Mix the wine, brandy and sugar in a pot over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves (do not bring to boil!)
- 3. Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and 1/2 the orage with cloves in it plus the juice of 1/2 an orange and stir.
- 4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 mins. (again DO NOT bring to boil!)
TIP: If you're having guests all day and want to make it ahead and keep it warm after you've added all the ingredients just put it in a crock pot. It will slowly infuse, stay warm and make your house smell amazing!
To Serve:
Place an orange slice on the rim of a glass and a cinnamon stick in side... Ladle the hot elixir into glass and enjoy!