The tree is up, lights are on the house, and snowflakes are forecast for Sunday. I love this time of year and the anticipation of the coming holidays. Unwrapping ornaments for the tree is a wonderful trip down memory lane and I always look forward to rediscovering all the handmade treasures, souvenirs from travel adventures, and family mementoes that I’ve accumulated over the years. They get more special as each year goes by.
Gluhwein, a spicy, slightly sweet, red wine, is a tradition in German households during the holidays and is a much anticipated treat in the holiday markets throughout Germany. It’s aroma fills the cold air as it simmers away in the specialty food booths that fill the markets. That, and the aroma of sausages grilling and nuts roasting, is an unforgettable experience.
I bought a bottle of an Oregon Gluhwein when I attended the Holiday Market at the German American School recently, and I’m sure you can find some in your local market and German delis, but it is so easy to make and fills the house with such a wonderful aroma that I recommend making it at home. I like to serve it with spicy cookies such as ginger snaps or lebkuchen.
Gluhwein
- 1 bottle red wine
- Juice and zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar, depending on your taste
Slowly heat wine. Don’t let it come to a boil. Remove the zest from the orange and lemon a squeeze out the juice. Add to the wine along with the spices and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let stand for about an hour. Strain and reheat just before serving. A crockpot works very well if you are making gluhwein for a crowd. Add a lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish and enjoy. This will warm holidays shoppers and party guests right down to their toes.
Please do stop by Designs by Gollum to see what wonderful things are going on there as Michael hosts another wonderful Foodie Friday. Thanks, Michael.
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
I had something very similar in Spain. At the time I was too young to appreciate it. Maybe I should give it another go 'round.
I have never heard of Gluhwein. Would love to try it. Thanks for this post, will keep an eye out.
You make me miss Germany. Living there during the Christmas season is such a wonderful memory for me.
Gorgeous photos. I'll be posting my version of Gluhwein next week. It's one of our holiday favorites. I didn't realize you could buy it bottled. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.
Sam
Everything looks so beautiful. I'm going to have to try this one.
Cathy, your Gluhwein sounds awesome! What a wonderful drink on these cool chilly days & nights. Glad you can sit back and enjoy the holidays, now that you have decorated the hearth. Definitely going to try your version of Gluhwein. Thanks
What a beautiful first picture,…MMMMMM,…
Your home made gluhwein sounds so good to me! Thanks!
What a great tradition. I've never had gluhwein but it sounds delicious and very festive!
What would Christmas be without this wine? Our family only served it Christmas Eve/Christmas Day/Christmas Night. We've had the boughten kind for some of our family Christmas get togethers. Glad to get the recipe. Looks good and easy!
This sounds like a nice sip! Thanks
I can almost smell the aroma of the wine as it simmers. Your photo and memories of Christmas are a treasure.
Hi Cathy, Sounds like you are ready for the holidays!
We're expecting snow this week too, and what a nice warming glass of cheer this would be to enjoy, snuggled up before the fireplace.
Thank you for sharing!
I could use some Gluhwein now! My hands are frozen from harvesting our Meyer lemons and limes – it snowed today in Houston and it's going to dip below freezing tonight!
Oh Cathy, your drink would be perfect this evening, it's so cold outside.
Cathy – it sounds wonderful! Looks so easy to make also…even for me!
Great tradition – surely brings back some great memories!
What a great shot, Cathy! I don't drink, so double up on my cookies..they look delicious..
Glad you are all ready, and I agree about the ornaments..lots of memories.
Have a great weekend !..We cooked today for the 2md bday boy's party tomorrow..
Such a beautiful festive pic! I love the decorations.
Wonderful holidays photos:)
i love that rich color, what a lovely drink!
I too enjoy the little homemade ornaments my girls gave me. They are treasures. Each year the boxes yield more memories. The Gluhwein sounds wonderful. I will be making some for us this evening.
Your photo is delightful!
I've never had this, but love all the ingredients so I'll make it for the holidays.
This sounds wonderful… I'll have to make some just to perfume the house with those wonderful aromas!! Thanks, Cathy!
Love this Cathy! This is something i miss about Germany every winter!
I will have to try your recipe. Thanks!
This sounds very holiday-ish, I must try it this month.
I love festivities and all the memories and decorations that come with it!
Very festive!!
I didn't know you could buy it in bottles. Thanks for the recipe so I can relive those times in Switzerland and Germany drinking gluhwein.
I love pulling out the ornaments too! It's so fun to show the kids the ones they have made in years past.
This wine sounds nice. I'll have to go look for it.
Have a cozy day!
Wow! This post is making me feel very festive. The Gluwhein on a cold day sounds divine.
Happy holidays to you.
You are way further along in your holiday preparations than I. Perhaps I need a bit of that wine to get going. Looks great!
I'm ready to come over and sit by the fireplace and drink a glass!
Hugs,
Nancy
Sounds wonderful! I never heard of this before but I love the German heritage and it would be great with the cookies I need to post about today, either before or after I get some of those ornaments on the tree. Thanks for the inspiration!
Spiced or mulled wine would be a special treat this time of year. I remember we had something similar sitting around the campfire at The Hills Ranch.
This could warm the cockles of my heart. Beautiful post and fantastic pictures. I would feel welcome at your home I know.
I'll have to try this during the holidays–it sounds so festive!