Spiced mulled wine (Glühwein) — autumn’s warming drink

A glass of mulled wine in your hands, the smell of cinnamon and cloves in the air — and the calm of autumn that begins with the first sip.

Spiced wine — known in German as Glühwein — is more than a drink. It is a ritual that marks the passage from the lightness of summer to the warmth of the cold seasons. It is prepared slowly, with red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and orange peel, until the kitchen fills with a scent that makes you feel at home.

The best part? It is made in 15 minutes and served warm, ideal for evenings with friends or for moments when you simply want to slow down.

Ingredients (for 4 glasses):

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml) – choose a fruity one, like Merlot
• 60 g sugar (or honey)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5–6 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 orange (slices + zest)
• 1 lemon (slices)
• 50 ml rum or brandy (optional)

Preparation:

1. Pour the wine into a pot over medium heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and citrus slices.
2. Warm it slowly for 10–15 minutes, without letting it boil (boiling ruins the alcohol and the aroma).
3. Remove from the heat, add the rum if you like, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
4. Strain and serve in heat-resistant glasses, decorated with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.

Tips for the perfect mulled wine:

• Don’t use an expensive wine — a simple, fruity red wine works best.
• You can replace the sugar with honey for a softer taste.
• Add a vanilla pod or a few cardamom seeds for a special aroma.

Mulled wine is not just a recipe — it is a feeling. And this autumn, let it warm you, one sip at a time.