There’s something unmistakable about the scent of Glühwein drifting through a German Christmas market—warm citrus, whole spices, a little red wine, and that feeling that winter is something to savor instead of endure.

During our time in Germany, we learned that Glühwein (pronounced “glo-vine”) isn’t just a drink. It’s a rhythm. A pause. A way people step out of the cold and into something communal. Back home on the farm, we’ve carried that same spirit into winter gatherings—sip by sip.

If you want to recreate the real thing, the kind they serve in steaming ceramic mugs at Munich’s Christkindlmarkt or along the cobblestones in Nuremberg, this recipe came from the Best of the Best Christmas Market booths.

• What is Glühwein?
• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• How to Serve Authentic Glühwein
• Different Variations
• FAQ’s
• Printable Recipe Card

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What Is Glühwein?

Glühwein simply means “glow wine”—named for the way the warm, spiced drink is heated over low fire until it glows. It’s Germany’s answer to mulled wine, but with a simpler, more straightforward flavor than many American versions.

Authentic Glühwein is never overly sweet, never cooked until the alcohol evaporates, and always built around whole spices and fresh oranges. It is traditionally enjoyed as a Christmas drink but will keep you warm anytime the temperature starts to drop! I’m making this a part of our winter drink rotation along with Russian Tea and Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix!

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Ingredients for Authentic German Glühwein

You only need a few pantry staples to make the real version:

• 1 bottle of dry red wine
• 1 large orange (unsprayed, preferably organic)
• 8–10 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 star anise (optional but traditional in many regions)
• ¼ cup raw sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1–2 cups water
• Optional add-ins: a splash of brandy, rum, or amaretto for extra warmth

Tip: Don’t use expensive wine. A solid, drinkable red like Merlot, Dornfelder, or a dry blend works perfectly.

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How to Make Flavorful German Glühwein

1. Start with the Citrus and Spices

Slice the orange into thick rounds. Stud each slice with whole cloves—this infuses the wine without allowing loose spices to float around.

In a medium saucepan, combine:

• the orange slices
• cinnamon sticks
• star anise
• water
• sugar or honey

Heat over medium-low until the mixture is steaming and the spices have opened up, about 10 minutes.

2. Add the Red Wine (But Never Boil It!)

Pour in the bottle of red wine and turn the heat down to low.
This is the most important step: warm it gently. Once wine boils, it becomes sharp and loses its depth.

Let it steep for 20–30 minutes on low heat.

3. Taste and Adjust

Want it sweeter? Add a little more sugar.
Prefer more spice? Add an extra cinnamon stick.
Want the Christmas market kick? Add a splash of rum or amaretto just before serving.

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How to Serve Glühwein Like the Germans Do

In Germany, Glühwein is always served:

• piping hot, but not boiling
• in a ceramic or glass mug, never a thin cup
• with no garnish except maybe one orange slice

It’s meant to feel rustic and uncomplicated—more about warmth than presentation.

If you’re hosting a winter gathering or your sauna/cold-plunge nights, you can keep a pot of Glühwein on low in a slow cooker so guests can ladle their own.

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Variations You May See in Germany

If you want to play with flavor, here are authentic variations from different regions:

• Feuerzangenbowle — Glühwein with a rum-soaked sugar cone lit on fire. You heard that right, a rum-soaked cone made of sugar sits above the Glühwein, it is set on fire and slowly drips into this German Mulled Wine. Talk about presentation!

• Weißer Glühwein — This is the white wine alternative for those looking for a lighter beverage. All the same ingredients with the option to add vanilla and increase the presence of orange slices!

• Kinderpunsch — The non-alcoholic version of Glühwein. Prosting warm glasses of this holiday punch is a communal act between friends and family alike – this includes the kids and anyone seeking a non-alcoholic version! Sub the wine for tea (typically hibiscus tea or berry tea) and fruit juices.

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Questions about this Traditional German Drink

Can You Make Glühwein Ahead of Time?

Yes!
In fact, the spices deepen beautifully overnight. Refrigerate and warm it gently over the stove the next day. Again—never boil.

How should I heat my Glühwein?

I find the stovetop the simplest way to make this aromatic beverage. I keep it in our Instant Pot to serve – turn on the “keep warm” setting and let Glühwein be a welcome guest at any holiday gathering!

What kind of wine should I use to make German Glühwein?

Don’t splurge! With all of the flavors and spices you are adding, any middle-of-the-road dry red wine will do the trick.

Will I need to strain my Glühwein?

You sure can! I stick the cloves into the orange slices to decrease the amount of spices floating around, but it would be a good idea to take your finished drink through a sieve for a smooth finish.

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Printable Recipe Card: Authentic German Glühwein

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Our trip to Germany with Fendt

My husband and I graciously accepted the invitation from Fendt to experience Agritechnica in Hannover, Germany this November. We were welcomed with warm hospitality as we experienced what can only be described as the Olympics for agriculture. There is so much to be in awe of in Germany, especially around the holidays.

Read my travel journal here

Bringing the German Christmas Market Home

Making Glühwein is one of those small winter rituals that makes the season feel intentional. It’s simple. Fragrant. Slow. And somehow it has the power to turn a cold evening into something memorable.

Whether you’re stirring a pot for a holiday gathering or just sipping it by the fire after chores, this is the kind of recipe that warms more than your hands. I hope you enjoy this holiday favorite as much as we have! Tschüss!

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