Traditional Glühwein is a warm wine, with lots of aroma from the warm spices, which you will find in many European countries, during winter.
Learn how to make classic mulled sweet wine at home for winter gatherings.
What is Glühwein
Glühwein is a traditional mulled wine enjoyed throughout Central and Northern Europe during the winter months, particularly at Christmas markets and festive gatherings.
It is made by gently heating red wine with sugar, citrus and warming spices, creating a fragrant and comforting drink designed to ward off the cold.
The wine is never boiled, as the goal is to preserve both its aroma and its character while allowing the spices to infuse slowly.
Spiced wine in Antiquity
In ancient Greece, wine was rarely drunk plain. It was almost always diluted with water and often flavoured with other ingredients. One of the most well-known examples is oinomeli, a mixture of wine and honey, which was consumed both as a pleasurable drink and for its restorative properties. Spices, herbs and aromatics were also added, not in the modern culinary sense, but for medicinal, ritual and practical reasons.
Ancient Greek medical writers such as Hippocrates describe wines infused with herbs and spices used to aid digestion, warm the body, or treat specific ailments. These could include thyme, oregano, bay leaves, anise, fennel, mint and sometimes cinnamon or cassia, which reached the Greek world through trade with the East. Such wines were considered therapeutic rather than festive, but they clearly show an early tradition of aromatised and spiced wine.
There is also kykeon, a drink mentioned in Homer and later sources, made from wine or water mixed with barley and herbs, sometimes mint.
While not a spiced wine in the modern sense, it demonstrates the Greek habit of modifying wine with flavourings.
Another category was medicinal wines, where wine acted as a carrier for botanicals, much like later European spiced wines.
What the ancient Greeks did not typically do was heat wine for pleasure in the way Glühwein is prepared today. Heating wine was associated more with medicinal preparations than with social drinking.
Origin of Glühwein
The idea of warming wine specifically to combat cold weather became far more common in Roman and later medieval European contexts, especially in colder climates.
The ancient Romans also prepared spiced wines, often sweetened with honey and infused with herbs and spices, believing them to have both pleasurable and medicinal qualities.
As Roman influence spread across Europe, so did this practice.
In the colder regions north of the Alps, warming wine became a practical necessity during winter.
Over time, medieval versions of spiced wine evolved into the Glühwein known today, particularly in German-speaking regions.
The name comes from the German verb glühen, meaning to glow, a reference to the gentle heat of the drink.
What spices are used in Glühwein?
The classic spice combination for Glühwein is simple and carefully balanced.
Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves form the aromatic base, providing warmth and depth.
Star anise is commonly added for a subtle liquorice note, while strips of orange peel bring freshness and brightness. Lemon peel may also be used in small quantities.
Some regional or household variations include cardamom, allspice or a touch of vanilla, but restraint is essential. Whole spices are always preferred, as ground spices can make the wine cloudy and bitter.
How Glühwein is served
Glühwein is served hot but never boiling. It is gently heated until steaming and then allowed to rest so the flavours can develop.
It is traditionally served in thick glass mugs or ceramic cups that retain warmth, often garnished simply with a slice of orange.
In very cold climates, a small amount of brandy or rum may be added just before serving, although this is optional rather than standard.
Which Greek wines can be used for Glühwein
Although traditionally made with German or Austrian red wines, such as Dornfelder, Spätburgunder, or Zweigelt, Glühwein adapts beautifully to Greek wines.
The ideal choice is a fruity, low-tannin red with minimal oak influence.
Agiorgitiko from Nemea is an excellent option, offering softness and gentle spice.
Merlot-based Greek or Cypriot wines also work well, as do lighter styles of Xinomavro that emphasize fruit rather than structure.
I used Mavros K;yknos (Black Swan), which is an Agiorgitiko from Nemea and also added some KEO Five Kings Brandy from Cyprus.
If a sweet red wine is used, the added sugar should be reduced accordingly to maintain balance.
Additional tips and traditions
Glühwein benefits from resting time, as the spices need at least fifteen to thirty minutes to fully infuse the wine. It can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it ideal for entertaining.
Traditionally, it is enjoyed alongside simple winter treats such as biscuits, roasted nuts or festive cakes. Above all, Glühwein is a social drink, closely tied to winter gatherings, outdoor markets and the shared experience of warmth and hospitality.
Glühwein - Mulled sweet wine
Traditional Glühwein is a warm wine, with lots of aroma from the warm spices, which you will find in many European countries, during winter.
Ingredients
- 750 ml dry red wine
- 1 orange (unwaxed, preferably organic)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar
- (white sugar is traditional; adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional but common)
- 1 small piece of lemon peel (optional)
- 50 ml brandy or rum (optional, added at the end)
Instructions
- Wash the orange well. Peel a few strips of zest (avoiding the white pith), then slice the orange.
- Pour the wine into a saucepan. Add the orange slices, zest, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and lemon peel if using.
- Heat very gently over low heat until steaming but never boiling (about
70–75°C). Boiling would evaporate the alcohol and ruin the flavour. - Remove from the heat, cover, and let the Glühwein steep for 15–30 minutes for a deeper spice flavour.
- Reheat gently if needed. Add brandy, if using.
- Strain or leave the spices in, according to preference, and serve hot in heatproof glasses or mugs.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 76Total Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 2mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 0g
"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."
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Glühwein - Mulled sweet wine
Traditional Glühwein recipe with history, spices, serving tips and Greek wine suggestions. Learn how to make classic mulled sweet wine at home for winter gatherings.
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