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.
🍷 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
🎄Other Christmassy Recipes and Tips for You to Try
- Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
- Snowball Cocktail
- No-bake Candy Cane Oreo Cake Pops
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chestnut Flour
- Coconut Busserl
- Marzipan Potatoes with Booze
- Zimtsterne
- Baking Basics for Christmas Cookies
- Festive Cranberry Gin and Tonic
- Easy Peppermint Bark
- Cranberry Gin Spritz
- Linzer Cookies with Egg Liqueur
- Cranberry Aperol Spritz
- Sweet Dips for Cookies
- How to decorate a real Christmas Tree?
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Austrian Mulled Wine
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Grater for the zest
- Sieve
- Serving Glasses
Ingredients
- 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
Nutrition
⛑️ 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.
This was fantastic! It reminds me of a mulled wine I had in Norway. Thanks for the great recipe!
That is awesome! Thank you, Ashley!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
You are most welcome, Nicole!
I’d never had mulled wine before, and had no idea what I was missing until I found this recipe. It’s such a comforting, flavorful addition to a celebratory gathering. It’ll have a place in my kitchen this holiday season for sure!
Thank you so much, Tara!
The pictures look so inviting and I can’t wait to try this aromatic delicious drink and host it for the next get together. Lovely share!
Thank you, Nisha! Let me know how it turned out for you!
This Gluhwein mulled wine is delicious I have tried it. Both I and my enjoyed it.
Thank you, Swathi! I am so glad you both liked it!