Mulled German-style Wine Awakens Memories

By Therese Iknoian

Isimply can’t smell hot mulled wine without harkening back to my student exchange year in Germany. Nothing says holidays to me more than a mug of Glühwein clutched in both hands with steam wafting into my face as I breathe in the sweet smell of spices and red wine.

Recipe

Mulled wine German-style isn’t hard to make. In short, you use a decent quality fruity red wine and mix in a little port wine.

Slice up a medium orange, add fresh lemon peel, some lemon juice, a few dashes of vanilla, and a dollop of sugar to taste. Float in some cinnamon sticks (I like to put one stick in each mug). Put some whole cloves and allspice in a tea ball and hang it in the liquid.

Let that spiced, fruity mix simmer slowly. Serve in mugs and take a deep breath of the sweet steam. Get a detailed recipe with photos of each step at HITravelTales.com. Planning a winter trip to Germany? These days, the Christmas markets ofer a wide array of drinks. To understand what they all are and how to order, our guide to Christmas market drinks will help you out.

Photo above: Mulled wine at Christmas Market ©Therese Iknoian; Frankfurt Oder Church Market ©Therese Iknoian

Photos, clockwise from top: Ferris Wheel ice rink reflections ©Therese Iknoian; Recipe putting peels into wine ©HITravelTales; Pouring Wine Spandau ©Therese Iknoian; Omas Gluehwein ©Michael Hodgson; Gluehwein booth ©Therese Iknoian; Lebkuchen Cookie Hearts ©Therese Iknoian