She Strengthens

Warm Up with a Taste of Germany’s Festive Tradition

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing like a warm, spiced drink to lift your spirits. Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, we’ve crafted a recipe for mulled wine that’s sure to become a holiday staple.

The Perfect Winter Pick-Me-Up

Imagine strolling through a bustling Christkindlmarkt, surrounded by twinkling lights and the aroma of roasting nuts. When the cold starts to seep in, a steaming mug of glühwein is just what you need to revive your festive spirit. Our recipe combines the classic flavors of citrus, spices, and wine to create a deliciously warming drink.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this mulled wine, you’ll need:

• 2 medium lemons and oranges
• 10 whole cloves and 5 cardamom pods
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 2 (750-milliliter) bottles dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Beaujolais Nouveau)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• Cheesecloth and butcher’s twine

Simmering Success

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons and oranges in wide strips, avoiding the white pith. Place the zest in a large saucepan, then add the juice from the lemons and oranges. Next, create a spice bundle by tying the cloves and cardamom in a small piece of cheesecloth with butcher’s twine. Add the bundle to the saucepan, along with the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by about one-third – about 20 minutes.

The Final Touches

Add the red wine and brandy, stirring to combine, and bring just to a simmer (don’t let it boil). Remove from the heat and discard the spice bundle before serving. To keep your mulled wine warm and ready for guests, simply transfer it to a slow cooker and let everyone help themselves.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a taste of Germany’s festive tradition from the comfort of your own home. So gather ’round, raise a mug, and toast to the magic of the season!