Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) Recipe

Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) Recipe

Christmas market warmth in a mug

By Sarah Mitchell June 14, 2026

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 25 min
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
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Warm red wine simmered with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and orange peel. The Christmas market classic.

About This Recipe

"Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein)" is a Drinks & Extras recipe that brings red wine (dry), cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves and orange, sliced together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 6 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The German inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle red wine (dry)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine all ingredients. Heat gently — do NOT boil.

  2. 2

    Simmer on lowest heat 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Strain and serve in mugs.

Expert Tips

For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Red wine (dry) is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.

What To Serve With This

"Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein)" is a versatile Drinks & Extras dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic German sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

423
Calories
31g
Protein
22g
Fat
38g
Carbs
4g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
711mg
Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein)?

This recipe takes about 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 30 minutes. It serves 6 and is rated Easy.

How do I store leftover Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein)?

Store leftover Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.

Can I make Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Homemade Mulled Wine (Glühwein) in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.

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