• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Throne & Vine

Helping You Explore Italy's Best-Kept Secret — South Tyrol!

  • MEET SOUTH TYROL
  • SOUTH TYROL ARTICLES
  • PLAN YOUR TRIP
    • SOUTH TYROL ITINERARY REVIEW
    • FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES
      • SOUTH TYROL TRAVEL RESOURCE LIBRARY LOGIN
      • 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SOUTH TYROL
      • HELPFUL SOUTH TYROL WEBSITES
      • REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
        • A Mediterranean Dream — Mending Mind, Body & Soul at Preidlhof
        • Hotel Quelle – Relaxed Luxury in the Alpine Wild
        • Romancing the Vine at Donà Winery
  • SOUTH TYROL ITINERARY IDEAS
    • MUST-VISIT WINERIES
    • HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES & BEYOND
    • MUST-SEE HISTORIC SIGHTS
    • ALPINE WELLNESS & RELAXATION
    • CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE ALPS
    • SOUTH TYROL FESTIVALS & EVENTS
  • SHOP THE ALPS
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET THE ADVENTURERS
    • CONTACT US

Making Glühwein: A How-To Guide to Warming the Soul

By Kate & Vin 25 Comments

icon

What is the best way to warm your soul on a wintry evening? Embrace the age-old Alpine drink known as Glühwein.

In this festive post, we show you step-by-step how to make Glühwein that wows you and your guests. In addition, you’ll discover the how to drink this cozy libation (also commonly called mulled wine or spiced wine) to fully savor its aromas and flavors.

In a holiday hurry? Jump ahead to the recipe, click here: The Best Glühwein Recipe.

About Glühwein

Glühwein is an especially delicious treat during the holidays. It wraps its arms around you and gives you a big, warm holiday hug just like that mall Santa did years ago.

Steps to Make Gluhwein

But you do not have to wait for the holiday season to enjoy Glühwein. You will cherish it anytime there is a chill in the air whether it be summer, fall, spring or winter.

So where did Glühwein’s heart-warming qualities come from? The ancient Romans are thought to have been the first to concoct Glühwein. As they conquered Europe, they didn’t just leave behind ruins and nifty hairdos. They also left wine’s enduring splendor. Glühwein included.

The hardy folks in the Alps of South Tyrol, Austria and Germany took quite a liking to the sweetly spiced goodness of Glühwein. Its warmth and cheer-inducing potency made it a must-have when facing the icy bluster of the mountains.

How to Drink Glühwein

Drinking Gluhwein in the Mountains
Glühwein, a traditional drink of the Alps, is a cozy way to warm up while relaxing on a cold winter’s night.

Glühwein isn’t a drink that lights you up like a Christmas tree, but even the Ebenezer in your life can’t resist the merriment found in a steamy cup. The best way to savor spiced wine is from a porcelain ceramic mug or a glass crystal mug for a touch of holiday sparkle. Our recommendation is to use double-wall insulated crystal glass mugs to preserve flavor and warmth. Or you can select a vintage ceramic mug and let the world know you live like Santa is not watching.

As we point out in the below directions, Glühwein is served hot and should be sipped slowly just as you would with a fresh cup of coffee.

⇒ YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Mountains of Merry: The Boutique Christmas Markets of South Tyrol

How to Make Glühwein

How to Make Gluhwein

Fortunately, you don’t need to raid Santa’s cellar to get your hands on this stuff. Follow these 6 simple steps to make Glühwein right in the comforts of your own home.

In less than 15 minutes, you can ease into your chair by the fire and mull over the wonders of mulled wine.

Step 1 – Find the Right Wine

Visit your local wine shop and pick up a bottle of red wine. Opinions vary on the best type with some opting for full-bodied reds like Malbec to others proclaiming bright and fruity reds like Pinot Noir work best.

Castel Rametz Wine Cellar

We’re hopeless mountain lovers. We use Alpine reds from Alto Adige. A couple of our favorites include the lovely Lagrein from the award-winning Elena Walch and Nals Margreid wine estates. Not only do these wines make Glühwein fit for a king, but they also pair exceptionally well with the Alps’ most hearty dishes. 

Step 2 – Set the Holiday Mood (Optional, but Highly-Recommended!)

Foster a festive holiday cooking mood to begin your new Glühwein tradition by playing a little traditional German Christmas music from South Tyrol, home to Europe’s most charming Christmas markets.

Of course, if you’re looking for something a bit more upbeat, you could always spin this little holiday classic from Germany’s most beloved singer. Nothing says Christmas like the Hoff!

Step 3 – Gather Your Sweets

Make sure you have the following Glühwein ingredients on hand at home: sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and oranges. Yes, oranges.

Step 4 – Prepare the Ingredients

Grab a pot and prep the ingredients that you will be adding to it.

Gluhwein ingredients
Glühwein is easy to make requiring only a handful of common ingredients.

Traditional Glühwein requires ½ cinnamon stick, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 5 cloves and peel of an orange (¼ to ½ of orange).

Step 5 – Make Stove Top Magic

Pour the entire bottle of wine into the pot (it’s okay to lick the cork), add the cinnamon stick, sugar, cloves and orange peel. Bring the wine to nearly a boil.

Making mulled wine also known as spiced wine and Gluhwein

Note: For Santa’s sake, do not boil the wine! Doing so will reduce the alcohol content thus the amount of fun you’ll have by equal measure.

Step 6 – Begin Your Merry Journey

Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves with a fine strainer. Pour this conjuring of Christmas magic into cups and serve immediately.

Drinking Gluhwein

Note: You can add rum or brandy to the Glühwein if you want to crank up the festiveness at your holiday gathering. But if sweetness is your greatest holiday weakness, honey is fine to add as well.

❄️Bonus Step

Repeat steps 1-6 as often as needed. Life is too short to deny sipping away holiday stress with ample amounts of Glühwein.

Feeling Fine with Glühwein

Enjoying Glühwein at home is an enticing way to the take chill out of any winter night. But more importantly, be sure to enjoy a cup or three while visiting a Christmas market.

Drinking anything else would no doubt upset the Krampus lurking in the corner. Not a wise move.

If the thought of laboring in the kitchen to make another holiday treat sucks the season right out of you…don’t worry. Glühwein can be purchased at your local wine shop. Just warm it up and serve the gift that will keep on giving.

The Best Glühwein Recipe  – Tap to Save!

How to Make & Drink Gluhwein

Thank you for reading. 😘 Share the South Tyrolean Goodness!
  • 2.8K
    Shares
  • 2.8K
    Shares

Filed Under: Alto Adige Wines, South Tyrol Christmas Markets Tagged With: Christmas Market, Glühwein, Mulled Wine, Spiced Wine

EXPLORE MORE OF SOUTH TYROL!

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3
  • The Oachner Höfeweg: A Rambling Foothill Adventure in the Dolomites
    The Oachner Höfeweg: A Rambling Foothill Adventure in the Dolomites
  • Trostburg Castle in November
    A Mountain Enthroned: Trekking to Trostburg Castle
  • pfefferlechner in lana, italy
    Pfefferlechner: Tapping into South Tyrol’s Tavern Culture
  • Grape Festival Feature
    The Merano Grape Festival: Harvesting A Hearty Good Time in South Tyrol
  • Sacred Stone & Sky: Hiking to the Church of St. George
    Sacred Stone & Sky: Hiking to the Church of St. George
  • Prackfol Wine Farm: Bounty Beneath the Dolomites
    Prackfol Wine Farm: Bounty Beneath the Dolomites
  • Malga Schgaguler Schwaige: Farm Fresh Feasting in the Dolomites
    Malga Schgaguler Schwaige: Farm Fresh Feasting in the Dolomites
  • Sabiona Monastery: Hiking the Crags of History
    Sabiona Monastery: Hiking the Crags of History
  • Castel Katzenzungen: Keeper of the World’s Oldest Vine
    Castel Katzenzungen: Keeper of the World’s Oldest Vine

Our articles may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking a link, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchases help ensure we can continue to serve you with inspiring content. Thank you for supporting Throne & Vine  – Kate & Vin.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cris says

    November 11, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Great and easy to prepare. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      November 13, 2020 at 7:40 am

      You’re welcome Cris! Enjoy the wonders of Glühwein!

      Reply
  2. Helene says

    December 22, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    This sounds like the perfect drink for a cold Christmas night! I’ll have to give it a try!

    Reply
  3. Shannon | Shannie Chic says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:28 am

    I had never heard of this and now I want to make it right now! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!

    Reply
  4. Cait Weingartner says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:21 am

    I’ve never tried warmed mulled wine, but it sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe and instructions, I can’t wait to mix up a batch to share with my family on Christmas Eve!

    Reply
  5. Patricia says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    I’m not into alcoholic drinks, but I know a lot of my friends are, so I will tell them about this. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Medha says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:38 am

    So I’ve been drinking a lot of gluhwein lately in Austria and I had no idea what all goes into it! I just knew red wine hit cinnamon, cloves and orange ? Really ? All I know is, I absolutely love it!

    Reply
  7. Megan Jerrard says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:11 am

    I want to drink the joyful tears of Santa’s drunkest elves!! Lol Glühwein does sound quite delicious, and it’s pretty cool that there’s a history associated with it right back to the Roman Empire. Thanks for sharing the recipe – off to the shops!

    Reply
  8. Nisha says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:37 am

    Mulled wine is my favorite in this season. Only a few days back I was in Switzerland and had my quota of Gluehwein. Thanks for sharing the recipe . I think I will try it out for sure. I hope I don’t spoil a good bottle of red 😉 😉
    Seasons Greetings, Katelyn!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    December 19, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I make mulled wine all the time in winter. I like using a Merlot, and an inexpensive bottle is perfect for this. I actually use two cinnamon sticks in mine. Plus I bring the water to a boil first, then add the sugar and dissolve it along with the lemons. Then I finally add the wine, cinnamon and cloves and let it steep for about 20 minutes.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 22, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      Such a great idea! I’ll have to try it your way also! Plus, you can never have too much cinnamon

      Reply
  10. Indrani says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:54 am

    Glühwein is a new drink for me. The detailed recipe seems doable. With winter on I must try this out.

    Reply
  11. Ami says

    December 18, 2017 at 4:18 am

    Hey…this seems easy enough to try this Xmas. Am a little tired of the same old wine and this does add that zest to the wine. And the little citrus punch too. Have a hic…I mean Merry Xmas. Cheers

    Reply
  12. Anu says

    December 17, 2017 at 12:53 am

    Thank you for introducing me to the Glow Wine. I love cinnamon and this looks like a perfect way to spice up your wine.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 17, 2017 at 6:54 am

      You’re welcome Anu! We hope you enjoy it and make it a holiday tradition in your home!

      Reply
  13. Bella WW says

    December 16, 2017 at 10:06 am

    There’s no winter without mulled wine for me <3 I never tried to make it myself before, but thanks to your recipe I believe this will be my first time 😀

    Reply
  14. Michelle says

    December 16, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Oh my gosh! I totally love mulled wine. It usually doesn’t get cold enough in Texas so I just crank up the air conditioner in December and pretend! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  15. Solmaz says

    December 16, 2017 at 8:06 am

    OMG I LOVE gluhwein!! Was in Germany for a Christmas Market hop press trip last year and wanted to drink it alllllll, but was pregs!! Now I can make it at home to make up for it lol. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  16. Anne says

    December 16, 2017 at 7:27 am

    My family are coming around this evening to celebrate Christmas as we are going skiing next Saturday. I’m so tempted to hop to the supermarket and put this receipt to the test. First I need to clean though…..

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    December 16, 2017 at 6:48 am

    I love Glühwein! I only drink it at Christmas Markets but it makes my winter holidays oh so festive. I tried to make it at home once but failed to add the requisite amount of sugar so it was terrible. Much easier to have others do the heavy lifting and me stay oblivious to how many calories one glass has!

    Reply
  18. Priyanjali Joardar says

    December 12, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Wow this wine is something new to me.. Seems interesting. I liked the preparation, would love to try it out. Happy holidays!

    Reply
  19. Jocelyn says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    Homemade glow wine is SO good. When I was in Vienna last year, I absolutely fell in love with their apple hot wines! <3

    Reply
  20. Alice BOLTE says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    I didn’t know that Glühwein was mulled wine! “Made from the joyful tears of Santa’s drunkest elves.” Haha! I may not be licking the cork but I would take some Glühwein now that I know what it is, if anyone offered!

    Reply
  21. Lacey says

    December 11, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I don’t particularly like mulled wine, but I know my friends love it and I have to bring something to our Christmas dinner… Might give it a go!!!

    Reply
  22. Christie Moeller says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:13 am

    I LOVE mulled wine and mulled cider! So festive, yummy and the whole house smells AMAZING when its brewing!

    Happy Holidays!

    xoxo Christie
    http://www.icanstyleu.com/blog/

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Kate & Vin in South Tyrol

Your Next Travel Obsession Begins Here...

Hi, We're Kate & Vin! And we're on a mission to help you explore Italy's Best-Kept Secret. Plan your escape with our FREE South Tyrol Travel Resource Library.

LEARN MORE

Start Your South Tyrol Adventure Now…Follow Us!

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Instagram

BRING THE ALPS
INTO YOUR HOME!

Find Alpine Specialties
in Our Online Shop

Shop South Tyrol

Find Your Perfect Place in South Tyrol!

SEARCH NOW

Before Footer

BEGIN YOUR SOUTH TYROL ADVENTURE! FOLLOW US

@THRONEANDVINE

south tyrol instagram feed
Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Instagram
  • TERMS OF USE
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • WORK WITH US

© THRONE & VINE – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

We use cookies to ensure you receive the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we'll assume you're okay with our privacy policy.