Mulled Wine

Glühwein

Mulled wine is a German classic! Glühwein is traditionally served at stalls at Christmas markets across Germany, to keep people warm as they shop and socialize.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 medium orange
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup turbinado or granulated sugar
• 20 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 bottle dry red wine
• Rum or amaretto, for serving (optional)

METHOD

• Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange in wide strips, taking care to avoid the white pith; set aside. Juice the orange and set the juice aside.
• Combine the water and sugar in a large, nonreactive saucepan and boil until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Reduce the heat and add the cloves, cinnamon, star anise, orange zest, and orange juice. Simmer until a fragrant syrup forms (about 1 minute).
• Reduce the heat further and add the wine. Let it barely simmer for at least 20 minutes but up to a few hours. Keep an eye out so that it does not reach a full simmer (small bubbles forming on top of liquid).
• Strain and serve in small mugs, adding a shot of rum or amaretto and garnishing with the orange peel and star anise if desired.

Note: Glühwein is perfect for winter parties! You can double or triple the mixture and keep it warm in a slowcooker, for all-night help yourself drinks.