Warm, spiced and best enjoyed by candlelight.
The air crips, the lights are twinkling and suddenly you find yourself craving something warm. Not just in your hands, but in your heart too. That’s where Glühwein comes in.
If you’ve ever wandered through a European Christmas market, you’ve probably caught the scent before you even saw it: red wine simmering gently with oranges, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s comfort in a cup. The kind of cozy, old-world tradition that makes winter feel magical again.
This is one of those recipes that’s easy as it is beautiful. You don’t need much. Just a bottle of red, a few spices, and twenty quiet minutes while your kitchen fills with the smell of Christmas.
What is Glühwein?
Glühwein literally means „glow wine“. And it truly glows. Deep ruby in colour, warm with spice and rich with nostalgia. This winter favourite has been shared for centuries across Germany and Central Europe, often served steaming hot at snowy markets or around family tables. It’s part o what makes winter feel slower, softer and a little more human.
What You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, big comfort.
- 1 bottle of dry red wine ( a Pinot Noir or Merlot works perfectly)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 – 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 – 4 whole cloves
- 2 – 3 tbsp honey or sugar ( adjust to taste )
- Optional: a splash of brandy or rum for a stronger glow
- Optional: star anise or a sprig of rosemary for garnish
My favourite picks:
- Vinotasia Pinot Noir – smooth, balanced and perfect for mulled wine.
- Mulled Wine Spice Kit – easy, aromatic and makes your kitchen smell incredible.
- Glass Mugs for Serving – let that ruby colour shine.
Choosing the Right Wine for Glühwein
You don’t need anything fancy to make great Glühwein – in fact, that’s part of the charm. It’s about warmth and comfort, not expensive bottles. Still, a little care goes a long way when choosing your base wine.
Here’s what works beautifully:
- Dry or semi-dry red wines like Merlot, Pinot Noir or Tempranillo
- Medium-bodied and smooth – soft, balanced, not too heavy
- Affordable but drinkable – once you add spices and heat it, the subtle notes disapear anyway
Think of it like cooking with wine – something you enjoy sipping, but not your prized vintage.
What Not to Use
Not every bottle plays nicely with heat and spice. Here’s what to skip if you want your Glühwein to taste perfectly cozy:
- Very sweet wines (like Port or dessert wines) – they’ll make the drink overly sugary
- Big, tannic reds (like Cabernet Sauvignon) – they can turn harsh or bitter when warmed
- Cooking wines or ultra-cheap-blends – often too acidic or filled with additives
If you’d rather not experiment, start simple – a dry Pinot Noir or Merlot rarely fails.
Tip: I love Vinotasia’s Pinot Noir for this recipe – it’s smooth, balanced and holds the spices beautifully.
How to Make It
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Warm gently over low heat – don’t boil, or the alcohol will cook off.
- Let it simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain into mugs or heat proof glasses.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon sticks – and breathe in that cozy aroma.
Tip: If you’re hosting, you can keep Glühwein warm in a slow cooker on low – it fills the whole room with that festive scent.
How to Serve It
Glühwein is all about atmosphere. Serve it in clear glass mugs so the deep red colour catches the light. Pair it with gingerbread, roasted nuts, or buttery Christmas cookies.
It’s perfect for a quiet evening on the sofa, a snowy walk, or the moment everyone gathers around the table after dinner.
Variations to Try
White Glühwein – Use Riesling or Silvaner for a lighter, floral version.
Alcohol-Free Version – Replace the wine with red grape juice or cranberry juice. Add extra orange slices for brightness.
Cranberry Twist – Add a handful of cranberries while simmering for a festive pop of colour.
A Little Reflection
There’s something timeless about Glühwein. Maybe it’s the way it slows everything down. The gentle simmer, the soft scent of spice, the quiet pause as you wrap your hands around the cup.
It’s simple, but it feels special. The kind of winter ritual that connects you to something older, warmer and deeply human.
So this year, skip the rush. Light the candles, pour a glass and let the season glow.
Cheers.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you.