Gluhwine- A Christmas must have

Gluhwine is a traditional German mulled wine served during the winter months and especially in the Christmas markets of Germany. A few years ago a dear friend brought us a few bottles for our holiday enjoyment and we have been hooked since. Without this libation it is just not Christmas, which seems silly considering that it's only been a few years since I first had it. pre-made Gluhwine is available at import stores like World Market, but I prefer to make my own so I know what is going into it. It is definitely an inexpensive drink to make and we have taken it to many parties with great success. The quality of the wine does not really matter as you will be adding Oranges and sugar to it but I do try to use an un-oaked red wine.

The Cahill Family Gluhwine recipe:

1 bottle red wine we use Gallo burgundy in the 1.5 ml size
2-3 oranges  cut in half
1 c. Sugar (traditionally it is made with honey but we actually prefer white sugar in it)
2 cinnamon sticks broken in half
10-15 whole cloves or large pinch of ground cloves
pinch allspice
pinch ground nutmeg
brandy to taste

Empty the bottle of wine into a heavy saucepan. Squeeze orange halves into wine and add the juiced halves. Add sugar and spices and cook covered over medium heat. Turn off wine just before it begins to boil, leave mixture covered for about an hour so the spices can steep. Uncover and strain back into wine jug, keep refrigerated for 1-2 weeks, if it lasts that long. Heat individual cups covered in microwave for about a  minute add a splash of brandy and serve. Can also be made in a crock-pot  and kept warm for parties. If serving for a party leave the spices and oranges in and add  1- 1 1/2 cups brandy to entire batch. Enjoy!

I'm linking this up to the Saturday Nite Special party over at Funky Junk Interiors You should head over and check it out!

Friede auf Erden und heißen Glühwein!