Glühwein Recipe — How to Make German Mulled Wine at Home
Share
If you've ever wandered through a European Christmas market on a cold winter's night, chances are you've wrapped your hands around a steaming cup of Glühwein. That first warming sip of spiced red wine is hard to forget — and the good news is you don't need to book a flight to Germany to enjoy it.
Here's everything you need to know to make authentic Glühwein at home, including the easiest method we know.
What is Glühwein?
Glühwein (pronounced "gloo-vine") is the German and Austrian name for mulled wine — red wine that has been gently heated and infused with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, star anise and orange.
The name translates literally as "glow wine" — a nod to the warm, rosy glow it gives you on a cold night.
While mulled wine is the broader term used across the English-speaking world, Glühwein refers specifically to the German and Austrian tradition, which tends to be slightly sweeter and spicier than its British counterpart. You'll also find it called Vin Chaud in France, Vin Brulé in Italy and Glögi in Scandinavia — but the soul of the drink is the same everywhere.
In Australia, Glühwein has grown steadily in popularity as winter farmers markets, alpine resorts and European-style Christmas markets have brought the tradition closer to home.
Traditional Glühwein Ingredients
A classic Glühwein is built around a handful of key ingredients:
Red wine — the base of the drink (1 x 750ml bottle). A fruit-forward, medium-bodied red works best. Avoid anything too tannic or heavily oaked.
Cinnamon — 2 whole sticks.
Nutmeg — 1/4 tsp of grated nutmeg.
Cloves — just a few (3-4). They're powerful and can easily overwhelm if overdone.
Star anise — add 1 for a gentle anise warmth that is distinctly Glühwein.
Cardamon (optional) — Cardamon can be very polarising. This is the reason many do not enjoy pre-bottled Glühwein/Mulled Wine. If you do, add just 1 slight crushed.
Orange — 4 fresh orange slices or peel add brightness and citrus depth.
Apple — 4 apple slices. The fruit infuses beautifully into the wine.
Sugar or honey — a small amount to balance the spice and wine acidity. We recommend 2-3 Tbsp.
Getting the ratios right is where most homemade Glühwein goes wrong — too many cloves and it becomes medicinal, too little cinnamon and it lacks warmth, and the wrong wine... it completely misses the mark. Buying the spices and fruit from your local supermarket will set you back around AUD$16 (US$10)
How to Make Glühwein — The Easy Way
This is where a Mulled Beverages spiced bag makes all the difference. Our blend has been carefully crafted to get those ratios exactly right — cinnamon, clove, star anise, orange and apple, balanced to produce a perfect result every time.
What you'll need:
- 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine
- 1 Mulled Beverages Large Red Wine Spiced Bag (or 4 individual from our 10 pack)
- 1–2 Tbsp brown sugar, honey or maple syrup
- Highly recommended: fresh orange slice in mug when served.
Method:
- Pour your wine into a pot or slow cooker
- Add the spiced bag
- Heat gently over low–medium heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and add sugar , honey or maple syrup to your desired sweetness
- Ladle into mugs and serve warm with a fresh slice of orange.
The golden rule: never boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer — steam rising, small bubbles at the edge. Boiling drives off the alcohol and can make the drink bitter.
That's it. Authentic Glühwein in under 10 minutes, with no measuring, no guesswork, no straining off spices and no leftover spices cluttering your pantry.
Which Wine Works Best for Glühwein?
Traditional German Glühwein is made with a medium-bodied red — think something fruit-forward with soft tannins rather than a big, bold tannic wine.
In Australia, these varieties work beautifully:
Shiraz — our top pick. Full-bodied, packed with dark fruit and natural spice notes that complement the blend perfectly. Australian Shiraz in particular is an excellent match.
Merlot — softer and more approachable, producing a gentler, more delicate Glühwein.
Malbec — smooth and plummy, with soft tannins that make it very forgiving.
You don't need to spend much — a $10–$20 bottle produces a genuinely delicious result. The spices do a lot of the heavy lifting. For a specific recommendation, our go-to is the McWilliams Samphire Shiraz — smooth, approachable and available exclusively at Dan Murphy's for around $19.
For more wine recommendations, see our full pairing guide.
Glühwein Variations Worth Trying
Weißer Glühwein (White Glühwein) — made with a dry white wine instead of red. Riesling or Pinot Gris work well. The result is lighter and more delicate — a lovely alternative if you prefer white wine.
Glühwein with brandy — a splash of brandy or port stirred in just before serving adds extra warmth and depth. A popular addition at German Christmas markets.
Non-alcoholic Glühwein — use a good quality dealcoholised red wine or even a rich grape and cranberry juice blend. It works surprisingly well and is completely family friendly. Our Mulled Beverages spiced bag works exactly the same way with non-alcoholic options.
Slow cooker Glühwein — perfect for entertaining. Add your wine and spiced bag to a slow cooker on low for 30 minutes, then keep it on the warm setting while serving. The whole house will smell incredible.
Glühwein vs Mulled Wine — What's the Difference?
The honest answer is: not much. Both are warm spiced wine drinks built around the same core ingredients. The differences are subtle:
Glühwein tends to be slightly sweeter and is traditionally served in small ceramic mugs at Christmas markets. British mulled wine often includes additional spices like nutmeg, and is sometimes made with a splash of port or brandy already in the recipe.
In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably — and a great spice blend works beautifully for both.
Ready to Make Your Own Glühwein?
Now that you know the secret to perfect Glühwein, all that's left is to try it. Grab a bottle of your favourite red, pick up a Mulled Beverages Red Wine Spiced Bag Pack and you'll have a steaming cup of Glühwein ready in minutes.
Share your Glühwein moments with us on Instagram @mulledbeverages 🍷