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Oma's Traditional German Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Make this easy German Mulled Wine recipe to enjoy as a traditional German Christmas drink. It'll make you think you're back in Germany at the wonderful Christmas markets.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (25 fluid ounces or 750 milliliters) red wine (see above)
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) water
• 3 - 4 tablespoons (37 - 50 grams) granulated sugar
• 8 - 10 whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods (optional)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced (optional)
• 3 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Put everything into a large saucepan and bring almost to a simmer over low heat, stirring to make sure that the sugar is dissolved. DO NOT BOIL.
2. Lower heat to very low. Cover and let it steep for at least 1 hour. DO NOT SIMMER OR BOIL.
3. Strain out the spices and serve.

Using a Slow Cooker:

1. Heat the wine, water, and sugar in a saucepan until almost to a simmer. Stir to dissolve sugar. 
2. Pour into a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Set slow cooker to low. 
3. The glühwein is ready after one hour, but will keep hot until needed if kept on low. It will improve in flavor the longer it steeps.

Notes/Hints:

• For another Christmas drink, try my Black Forest hot chocolate, when plain cocoa isn't strong enough for winter chills.
• Serve hot in pre-warmed cups and garnish with lemon or orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
• Add other spices as desired, such as whole star anise, vanilla beans, juniper berries.
• Add less or more sugar, depending upon the sweetness of your wine.
• Replace some of the wine with apple or orange juice if you want a lower alcohol content.
• Serve with a shot of rum or brandy if you want a 'stronger' drink.

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Recipe updated on May 29, 2026