Mulled Wine Recipe | Best German Glühwein - Elavegan (2024)

Enjoy this warm German-inspired spiced mulled wine (Gluhwein) at home this holiday season! This punch recipe uses just 6 ingredients and is gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for impressing at Christmas and New Years’ events!

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean it’s time to put away those Holiday recipes just yet. So, while you’re still busy enjoying leftovers and Holiday treats like Chocolate Salami and Creamy Vegan Cheese Fondue, why not serve them up alongside this warming, cozy, homemade mulled wine recipe?

Mulled wine is one of my all-time favorite Holiday drinks. When I lived in Germany, you would rarely catch me without a cup of warm Glühwein when visiting Christmas markets (aka Weihnachtsmärkte) – the outing just wasn’t complete without this warming, lightly spiced, Christmas wine. Now I’m no longer in Germany, with no German markets in sight, and so I’ve taken to making homemade mulled wine. It’s surprisingly low effort to prepare and tastes EXACTLY the same (but at a fraction of the cost!).

Across Europe (and several other countries worldwide), warm spiced wine is enjoyed annually as the holidays come about – at Christmas events and markets (especially Bavarian Markets). In France, they refer to it as Vin Chaud (hot wine), and In Sweden (as well as Denmark, Norway, and Iceland), it is called Glögg (coming from the Swedish verb glödga, meaning “to burn” or “to mull.”). In Spain, it’s vino caliente, and Portugal is vinho quente… I think you get the point.

This particular mulled wine recipe is based on my favorite German Glühwein experiences from the markets. It is a spiced wine worthy of enjoying alone or sharing with friends and family! But what exactly is it?

What Is Mulled Wine?

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that mulled wine is traditionally a drink made with wine – usually red wine- which is heated and ‘mulled’ with various mulling spices. The spices infuse with the beverage and, when it’s ready to serve, you have a delicious, warm, spiced wine that is comforting and tastes like Christmas (with a boozy twist!).

I remember reading somewhere that mulled wine was first recorded in Rome in the 2nd century. At that time, it was spiced and heated (using white or red wine) and served as a kind of tonic to ward of illness during the cold winters. Some say it was invented by Hippocrates himself (the “Greek father of medicine”) – though I don’t know if this is true, as others say it was just nicknamed ‘Hippocras’ later on, likely by those who didn’t personally know the man. All I know is that I say a big thank you to the first person to brew a delicious batch of this warming drink.

Depending on where you enjoy this spiced wine, there are several variations too- from the selection of wine to the various spices and optional ‘add-ins’ like rum (which makes it a punch). In fact, there are even non-alcoholic versions of this drink (think spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, or grape juice!)

So, regardless of whether you call this drink Vin Chaud, Glühwein, Glögg… etc. This is a mulled wine recipe you’re sure to love!

The Ingredients

• Red wine – I like to use a fruity red wine. Check the section below for more guidance on the best wine for mulled wine.
• Oranges – I recommend using organic unwaxed oranges and freshly squeezed orange juice. Alternatively, you could use lemon juice or cranberry juice.
• Mulled wine spices – I use whole (not ground) cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. If you’re not a fan of star anise flavor (like licorice), then only add 1-2.
• Maple syrup – Or your favorite sweetener. Be aware that different sugars will affect the flavor.
• Optional: Cardamom pods – I added a pinch of ground cardamom as I had no pods. Use pods along with the rest of the mulling spices if wanted, though.
• Optional: Rum – Check the recipe notes for alternative boozy add-ins for this Christmas punch.

For the ingredient measurements and nutritional information, read the recipe card below. Also, check out the recipe notes for more optional add-ins and ingredient notes!

The Best Wine for Mulled Wine

I think this will technically change depending on personal tastes. Ideally, bright, highly alcoholic, and fruity red wine options are my preferred choices for mulled wine. Avoid ones that are more delicate in flavor – as the spices can overwhelm. And don’t go for anything too expensive – it’s not worth it as the heating will affect the taste!

Some examples could include Southern French or Italian reds and options such as pinot noir, merlot, or Zinfandel wines.

Just make sure to select a vegan red wine – if you are vegan – as not all are suitable for the vegan diet!

How to Make Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Luckily for all those out there who want a practically effortless hot drink for Christmas parties, I couldn’t make this Gluhwein recipe any simpler if I tried!

Step 1: Mull the Wine

Place all the ingredients in a large pot. Heat over low heat until it is JUST before boiling (don’t let it boil!).

Turn off the heat and allow it to infuse for 30-60 minutes.

The longer the wine cooks, the more alcohol burns off/evaporates. To make sure not too much disappears, make sure not to boil the mixture, and there’s no need to infuse the mixture overheat.

Step 2: Serve it

Strain the liquid, heat it once more until warmed through, and then serve immediately!

Serve in heat-proof jars/mugs (optionally topped with a fresh slice of orange) and enjoy!

To Serve at events

Since this mulled wine recipe is perfect for serving at Christmas parties and events, you’ll need a way to keep the drink warm without ‘cooking’ it further. For that, there are several options:

For smaller/indoor events, you can use large, insulated drinks dispensers (Air Pots). To keep the drink warmer for longer, fill the flask with boiling water for 10-15 minutes (then discard it) before you pour the hot wine into it.

Alternatively, if you have electricity available, you can serve the drink out of a crockpot while it’s in the warming function. This will maintain the heat without cooking it further.

Enjoy the delicious wine with other party nibbles and your favorite German Christmas treats, like these Cinnamon Star Cookies, Hazelnut Cookies, and/or Gingerbread Cake.

Storing Instructions

Allow any leftover punch to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat as needed!

You may also be able to freeze the mulled wine, though this isn’t something that I’ve tried, and the flavor may change.

Gluhwein Recipe Notes

• You can add all the mulled wine spices to a small muslin pouch when infusing if you have one. Then there’s no need to strain the liquid or risk of a guest choking on a stray spice!
• You can purchase pre-packaged spices (often called just ‘mulling spices’) too if preferred. However, the spices may vary slightly and will affect the final flavor.
• Instead of rum, you could add a glug of ginger liqueur, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier to this punch recipe.
• Optional ingredients: You can also add some raisins or chopped dried fruits of your choice.
• I personally think it’s best to use a mid-range wine. Too cheap, and the flavor can be off. Too expensive, and you waste money as the flavor can become lost with the mulling spices.
• Alcohol-free version (e.g. for kids): You can omit the wine and rum and use a fruit juice of choice, e.g. grape juice or cranberry juice.
• It’s best to avoid using all ground spices when making any mulled wine recipe, or the drink can be grainy and unpleasant. One ground spice is fine, though.
• PLEASE don’t ever let the wine boil! If it boils, you’ll not only be burning off alcohol, but it can also turn the drink bitter!

Other Drinks Recipes

• Watermelon Margarita Recipe (Tequila co*cktail)
• Creamy Mango Lassi (Vegan Yogurt Drink)

If you give this German inspired mulled wine recipe a try, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elaveganand #elavegan – I love seeing your recreations.

If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo: