WebMethod STEP 1 Put the orange slices, wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and ginger in a large pan. Warm gently for 10-15 mins, being careful not to let the mixture boil. Add …
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To make Glühwein, red wine is simmered with warm winter spices like cinnamon and cloves, sweetened with sugar, and balanced with a bit of citrus. There are many names and variations served at Christmas markets all across Europe. Glogg, wassail, mulled wine, hot wine … or, of course, Glühwein – which literally translates to “glow wine.”
Stir in the brandy. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Depending on your wine and tastes, you may only need the intial 1/4 cup of sugar, or you may need the entire 2/3 cup. Ladle into three large or four smaller mugs, garnish if desired, pass 'em out and and inhale your Glühwein goodness.
Options for spices for your Glühwein include; cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and star anise pods. You can even add a vanilla bean! You want your spices to be in their original whole state and not ground so that you can infuse your wine with their flavors without having a gritty consistency.
This is not a spice, but for my Glühwein, I love to add some lemon peel too for extra citrussy brightness. For the cloves and orange combo, not only is it super festive looking, but poking the cloves into the peel of a whole orange helps release the oils in the skin of the orange, adding flavor without bitterness.