Leslie Massey
Gluhwein is a popular drink at many German and Austrian Christmas markets and is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter months. The name Gluhwein translates to glow-wine, which is fitting as this boozy beverage will make you feel all warm and toasty inside. While Gluhwein is typically considered a German drink, it is also popular in several other European countries, including Austria, where it is enjoyed at traditional Christmas markets or after a day on the slopes. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Austrian Gluhwein in the comfort of your own home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Red wine, cinnamon, cloves, oranges |
| Other Ingredients | Sugar, cranberries, Cointreau, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, anise, raisins, brandy, rum, liquor, star anise |
| Wine Type | Dry, fruity and flavourful |
| Wine Examples | Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Zinfandel, Grenache, Merlot |
| Preparation | Bring water, sugar, and cinnamon to a boil. Cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture. Push the cloves into the outside of the orange peel. Place into the simmering mixture. Simmer until the mixture is thick and syrupy. Stir in the wine while the mixture is hot, but not simmering. |
| Serving | Ladle into mugs or glasses. Garnish with orange slices or wedges. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a bottle of quality red wine
Gluhwein is a popular drink at German and Austrian Christmas markets and is a type of mulled wine. The name "gluhwein" translates to "glow-wine", referring to the warm feeling you get when drinking it.
When making gluhwein, it is important to use a bottle of quality red wine. You don't want to use something that you wouldn't enjoy sipping on its own, but you also don't want to use your most expensive bottle. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine that falls somewhere in the middle—something that you would be happy to drink but won't break the bank.
Dry red wines such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon work well. You can also opt for a wine with relatively high alcohol, lots of fruit, and relatively high tannins, such as California Zinfandel, Grenache, or Merlot. It is best to avoid sweet, soft wines as they can make it difficult to adjust the sugar quantity.
Once you have your bottle of quality red wine, you can begin preparing the rest of the ingredients, which typically include oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sugar. Some recipes also call for additional spices like cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, or anise, as well as cranberries, Cointreau, or other liquors.
After assembling all the ingredients, the process of making gluhwein is quite simple. Combine the wine, spices, and other ingredients in a pot, heat it up, and let it simmer. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate. Let it steep for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then it's ready to be ladled into mugs and enjoyed!
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Add cinnamon sticks and cloves
To make Austrian gluhwein, adding cinnamon sticks and cloves is a crucial step. This step infuses the drink with the warm, spicy flavours that make gluhwein so comforting during the winter months.
When preparing the cinnamon sticks and cloves for gluhwein, it is important to note that these spices should not be ground but rather added whole. This is because the spices will be removed before serving, and using whole spices makes it easier to strain or pick them out of the finished drink.
To prepare the cinnamon and cloves, start by cutting an orange in half. Squeeze the juice from the orange into your saucepan, then stud the orange peel with the cloves. You can simply push the cloves into the outside of the orange peel, securing them in place. Place the orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into the saucepan with the other ingredients, such as water, sugar, and red wine.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil, as this can negatively impact the flavour and alcohol content of your gluhwein. During this time, the cinnamon and cloves will release their aromatic flavours, infusing the wine with a delightful spiciness.
Once the gluhwein has finished simmering, remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. It is important to remove these spices before serving to ensure that your guests do not accidentally consume them. Discard the used spices, as they have already released their flavours into the wine. Your gluhwein is now ready to be ladled into mugs and enjoyed!
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Simmer, don't boil
When making Austrian gluhwein, it is important to simmer the mixture and not let it boil. This is because a high temperature can break down some of the aromatic compounds in the wine, which will change the flavour of the gluhwein, often for the worse. Boiling the gluhwein will also reduce the amount of flavour.
Simmering is also a safer option, as it helps to avoid issues like burning, curdling, and boiling over. This is especially important when preparing dishes with lots of sugar, starch, milk, or other ingredients that are prone to splattering, boiling over, or curdling.
Additionally, a slow simmer is ideal for concentrating flavours. While boiling will reduce the volume of liquid, it does not concentrate the flavours as effectively as simmering.
When making gluhwein, it is crucial to add the wine to the mixture when it is hot but not simmering, to prevent the alcohol from boiling off. After adding the wine, the mixture should be heated until steaming, but not simmering. This ensures that the gluhwein retains its intended flavour and alcohol content.
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Garnish with orange slices
Gluhwein is a popular drink at many German and Austrian Christmas markets. It is a hot spiced "glow wine" that's found in many winter markets in Germany and Austria. The name Gluhwein, or "glow-wine", refers to the warm and toasty feeling you get when you drink it.
To garnish your mug of Gluhwein with orange slices, start by cutting an orange into quarters. Push a few cloves into the skin of the orange quarters, and then squeeze the juice from the orange into your Gluhwein mixture. You can also add orange zest to enhance the citrus flavour. If you want to add a more decorative touch, you can stud the orange slices with whole cloves. This will also infuse your Gluhwein with the aroma of warm cloves.
Finally, ladle your Gluhwein into stoneware mugs or glass mugs that have been heated with hot water first to prevent shattering. Garnish with your orange wedges or slices, and enjoy the rich, warming effect of this traditional Austrian beverage.
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Serve in sturdy mugs or steins
To serve your Austrian gluhwein in sturdy mugs or steins, first heat the glasses with hot water. This is an important step to prevent the glass from shattering when you pour in the hot gluhwein. Next, ladle the gluhwein into your chosen mugs or steins. Garnish with orange slices or wedges, which add a touch of colour and freshness to the drink. If you want to elevate the presentation, you can also add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the mug as a garnish.
The type of mug or glass you use can enhance the experience of drinking gluhwein. In Austrian Christmas markets, gluhwein is often served in festive mugs, adding to the charm of the drink. Sturdy mugs or steins are ideal for gluhwein as they evoke a sense of rustic warmth and comfort. They also have practical benefits, such as handles for easy sipping and lids to keep the drink warm. These mugs are typically made of stoneware or glass, but even a simple glass or ceramic container can be used if that's all you have.
If you don't have access to mugs or steins, don't worry! Gluhwein can be enjoyed in any type of glass or container. The key is to ensure that the glasses are pre-warmed to avoid thermal shock and potential breakage. You can also get creative with your serving suggestions—for example, you could offer guests a choice of garnishes or allow them to add their own splash of brandy or a shot of rum to their gluhwein.
Remember, gluhwein is meant to be a cosy and enjoyable experience, so feel free to personalise your serving style to match your unique tastes and the atmosphere you wish to create. Whether you're serving gluhwein to guests or simply indulging by yourself, taking the time to consider the presentation and servingware can elevate the overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian Glühwein is a hot spiced "glow wine" that's found in many winter markets in Austria and Germany. It is a popular drink at Christmas markets and after a day of skiing.
You will need red wine, an orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sugar. Some recipes also call for cranberries, Cointreau or other orange-flavoured liqueur, and spices such as cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, or anise.
First, cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice into a saucepan. Push the cloves into the outside of the orange peel and place it into the saucepan along with a cinnamon stick and other spices, if using. Add water and sugar, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Finally, add the wine and heat until steaming but not simmering. Serve in pre-warmed mugs or glasses, garnished with orange slices.
Glühwein is a popular drink in both Austria and Germany, and the basic recipe is the same—the main difference is that each country has its own mix of spices that they add to the wine base.
