Heavenly German Glühwein
This delightful recipe for German Glühwein was gifted to me by my German Language instructor, Herr Acker, during my college years. The combination of rich red wine with fragrant spices and citrus creates a warm, inviting beverage that is perfect for cozy gatherings. The aroma fills the air with a festive spirit, while the taste envelops your senses in bliss. Whether you're warming up from a winter chill or celebrating the holiday season, this spiced wine is sure to bring joy and comfort to every occasion.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
red wine
4 liters (Choose a fruity red wine for best results.)
lemons
3 (Juice the lemons and reserve the rind.)
fresh lemon rind
1 teaspoon (Zest one of the lemons.)
hot brewed tea
15 cups (Use a mild tea such as black or herbal.)
whole cloves
12 (Use fresh whole cloves for best flavor.)
cinnamon sticks
3 (Use whole cinnamon sticks.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the red wine, lemon juice, lemon rind, and brewed tea.
2
Add the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks to the mixture.
3
Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warm but not boiling. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired; you can add a little sugar or honey according to your preference.
5
For serving, ladle the warm Glühwein into mugs, making sure to include some spices in each serving for added flavor.
6
If preparing for a large gathering, transfer the mixture to a crock pot set on low to keep warm throughout the event.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly German Glühwein?
Heavenly German Glühwein is a delightful spiced red wine beverage often served warm during the holiday season.
Who provided this recipe?
This recipe was gifted by Herr Acker, a German Language instructor, during the author's college years.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What type of red wine is recommended?
A fruity red wine is recommended for the best results in this Glühwein recipe.
How much red wine is required?
The recipe calls for 4 liters of red wine.
What kind of tea should be used?
Use 15 cups of a mild hot brewed tea, such as black or herbal tea.
How many lemons are needed?
You will need 3 lemons for their juice and rind.
How do I prepare the lemons?
Juice the 3 lemons and reserve the rind to be added to the mixture.
How much lemon zest is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon rind, which is the zest of one lemon.
How many whole cloves are used?
This recipe requires 12 fresh whole cloves for the best flavor.
How many cinnamon sticks are added?
Three whole cinnamon sticks are added to the mixture.
Should the Glühwein be boiled?
No, the mixture should be heated until warm but not boiling to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the heating method?
Gently heat the mixture in a large pot over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and add sugar or honey according to your personal preference.
What is the best way to serve Glühwein?
Ladle the warm wine into mugs, ensuring some spices are included in each serving for extra flavor.
How can I keep the drink warm for a party?
For large gatherings, transfer the mixture to a crock pot set on low to maintain the temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, it is a perfect winter beverage for warming up from the chill.
What is the aroma of this beverage?
The combination of wine, spices, and citrus creates a festive and inviting aroma that fills the air.
Can I use herbal tea?
Yes, mild herbal tea works well as a base along with the red wine.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I handle the spices when serving?
Ladle the spices into the mugs along with the liquid to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically recommends juicing 3 fresh lemons and using their rind for the best taste.
What category of drink is this?
It is classified as a hot spiced wine, holiday drink, or winter beverage.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, with 15 servings and easy crock pot maintenance, it is ideal for party beverages.
What flavor profile does this drink have?
It has a rich, spiced, and citrusy flavor that provides comfort and joy.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead?
The recipe calls for whole cinnamon sticks to properly infuse the wine without making it cloudy.
When should I add the spices?
Add the cloves and cinnamon sticks to the pot after combining the wine, juice, rind, and tea.
How long does it take to heat?
It should be heated over medium-low heat until warm; the exact time depends on your stove but avoids boiling.
Is honey better than sugar for this recipe?
Both sugar and honey are recommended options; you can choose based on your sweetness preference.
Why is tea added to the wine?
The tea helps dilute the wine slightly and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the Glühwein.