Gluhwein: Mull Your Wine for the Yuletide!

December 17, 2014 by Andrea Szyper

All families have holiday traditions, and our (office) family is no different. Most of us have been here 10 years or more, so we really are close. Our holiday office party includes a gag-gift exchange that often involves old prom photos and tacky jewelry and culminates in a frenzy of trading that rivals the NYSE.

But my favorite UnTours holiday tradition is a sensory treat that Cathrin has brought to the mix from her native Germany. Gluhwein, or mulled wine, is a staple of German Christmas markets. She makes her own and sets the crockpot going around 10 a.m. on party day. By noon, the entire office smells of it, a warm spiced scent that clings to your clothing and softens your edges. The Gluhwein works its magic even before the first sip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 bottles of good quality red wine
2 cups of water
juice of 2 lemons
5 oz sugar
6 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 oranges – cut into bite-sized pieces

Here’s what to do:

Put all ingredients except the oranges and wine in a pot and bring close to boil.

Add the orange pieces and the wine.

Heat until steaming but not simmering. (You can keep it on heat for up to 2 hours, though you’ll lose a bit to evaporation!)

Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Enjoy and drink responsibly. Prost, and Happy Holidays!