Glühwein Mulled Wine

Oh, the magic of Christmas is just around the corner! As soon as the calendar flips to November, I can’t resist bringing out the festive decorations and filling my home with the warmth and sparkle of the season.

Here in Austria, we take Christmas very seriously, and our traditions are steeped in the joys of the Advent season. One of my favorite customs? The irresistible aroma of Glühwein – that classic mulled wine – which you can find in every corner of our enchanting Christkindl markets.

There's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of this spiced, warming drink, especially when you're out browsing the festive stalls, surrounded by twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of holiday revelers. It’s not just a drink; it’s a taste of tradition, a comforting hug in a cup that brings people together.

With today’s recipe, I’m sharing a classic Austrian Mulled Wine that will fill your home with the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus – just like at our Christmas markets. So, gather your friends, roast some chestnuts, and toast to the season. Let’s make every sip count as we embrace the magic of Advent together!

🥘 Ingredients

• Red wine - full-bodied and fruity
• Water
• Cinnamon sticks (for boiling and garnishing)
• A few cloves
• Lemon zest
• Brown sugar (to sweeten)

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the water, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, and a few cloves. Sweeten with a generous spoonful of brown sugar (or more, if you're feeling extra festive).

Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, letting those cozy holiday scents fill your home. Once it’s bubbling away, pour in the red wine and gently heat the mixture. Remember, don’t let it boil! Just warm it up to keep the flavors merry and bright.

Step 3: Strain the mulled wine, removing the spices to ensure a smooth, festive sip.

Step 4: Slip a cinnamon stick into each glass and pour the Glühwein over it.

🎄 Glühwein Mulled Wine, an Austrian Tradition

Mulled wine, or Glühwein, is a beloved holiday tradition here in Austria, especially during the magical Advent season. You’ll find steaming mugs of this spiced delight at Christmas markets all over Vienna, where it warms the hands and hearts of festive shoppers.

Whether made with red or white wine, it’s infused with cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of citrus, then sweetened to taste. The trick is to heat it gently—never above 80°C—so you keep all those wonderful flavors and festive cheer intact.

The roots of mulled wine go all the way back to ancient times, when hot wine mixed with honey was enjoyed. Though spiced wine was common in the Middle Ages, it was actually served cold. It wasn’t until the 19th century that hot mulled wine gained popularity in Vienna, evolving from an English indulgence to a beloved winter tradition.

At first, doctors were wary of the drink, but soon enough, it was praised as a health remedy for colds and the chill of winter. By the late 1800s, mulled wine and punch had become staples of the season, with homemaking magazines brimming with recipes.

Today, we raise a mug of Glühwein to keep the Christmas spirit glowing!

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🥳 Mulled wine day

March 3rd might seem far from the twinkle of Christmas lights, but Mulled Wine Day gives us the perfect reason to rekindle that festive spirit! Even though Glühwein is a staple of the Advent season here in Austria, there's something special about enjoying a steaming mug during those last chilly days of winter. It’s like a little taste of Christmas magic, bringing back the comforting warmth of mulled spices and sweetened wine.

So why not celebrate the day by stirring up a pot of this classic drink? It’s the perfect way to keep the holiday glow alive, even as we look forward to spring.

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🍷 Best red wine for mulled wine

When choosing a red wine for mulled wine, look for one that’s full-bodied and fruity, but steer clear of wines with high tannin content or strong oak flavors. Light reds won’t quite do the trick either.

Instead, opt for a medium-bodied wine with minimal oak aging—something that can hold its own against the warm spices and sweetness of the mulled wine. A dry wine with a balanced acidity and gentle tannins is ideal, bringing out the best in those cozy, aromatic flavors.

🍽 Equipment

• Saucepan
• Grater for the zest
• Sieve
• Serving glasses

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📖 Recipe

Austrian Mulled Wine

Nora

Bring the magic of Austria's Christmas markets into your home with this traditional Glühwein recipe. Made with red wine and aromatic spices, this classic mulled wine is the perfect winter warmer, offering cozy comfort and festive cheer in every sip.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Alcoholic beverage, Christmas drink

Cuisine Austrian

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 89 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Grater for the zest
• Sieve
• Serving Glasses

Ingredients

 

MetricUS Customary

 

1x2x3x

• ¼ cup Water
• 1 Cinnamon stick for boiling
• 3-6 Cloves
• Lemon zest from one lemon
• Brown sugar to sweeten
• 2 ¼ cups Red wine full-bodied and fruity
• 2 Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup Water, 1 Cinnamon stick, 3-6 Cloves, and a few Lemon zest. Sweeten with Brown sugar to your taste.
  ¼ cup Water, 1 Cinnamon stick, 3-6 Cloves, Lemon zest, Brown sugar
• Bring the mixture to a boil, filling your kitchen with that delightful holiday aroma.
  2 ¼ cups Red wine
• Then, add 2 ¼ cups Red wine and gently heat it – but don’t let it boil! We want to keep all those wonderful flavors intact.
• Once warmed, strain the mulled wine to remove the spices.
• Place 2 Cinnamon sticks (one per serving glass), and pour in the Glühwein.
  2 Cinnamon sticks

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Keyword Austrian mulled wine, Glühwein, Gluhwein mulled wine, Mulled wine

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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.