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Learn how to make homemade German white mulled wine with this easy-to-follow recipe to warm up this holiday season!
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Mulled wine is one of the most, if not even the most, popular hot drinks during Advent and Christmas. Sure thing, this comfort drink makes the freezing cold season just a little more bearable, especially when enjoyed within social gatherings, friends, or the family holiday party.
Here in Europe, mulled wine is the highlight for most while strolling through the Christmas market. One of many reasons why German mulled wine, or Glühwein as we call it, is so popular.
You can get red mulled wine, which is a little more common, or the slightly fresher and sweeter white mulled wine version with white wine. In the following recipe, I am going to show you how to make white wine mulled wine!
Unfortunately, the warm spiced wine you can get at the Christmas market is often not freshly prepared but flows rather from the tetra pack. So it’s always a gamble, yet most don’t taste as delicious as they could, which is also a pity for the money you pay.
Therefore, I highly recommend trying this homemade mulled wine recipe. It’s so delicious, features the most delightful winter spices, is affordable, and is easy to make.
You have to stick to only one rule: never boil your homemade mulled wine, only bring it to an almost light simmer and cook on low heat. Otherwise, the alcohol evaporates – which, we all agree, would be quite a pity! 🙃
Advantages of homemade mulled wine:
- Very delicious!
- Made from scratch with spices and fresh oranges!
- You can adjust the sweetness to your taste!
- You can choose the bottle of white wine yourself!
- Can be prepared ahead of time!
- Better for your wallet!
- Crowd-Pleasing – Can easily be prepared in larger quantities!
Traditional German white mulled wine is usually made without liquor. But some like to add a shot of rum, brandy, or amaretto to the finished mulled wine.
Best White Wine For Mulled Wine
The base for white mulled wine is always white wine. 😉
I recommended to use dry to semi-dry white wine such as a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner, or Riesling.
In terms of price, a mid-range bottle of wine will do. However, stay away from very cheap wine, as this will result in a loss of flavor. Keep in mind that white wine is the basis and makes up for most of the taste.
Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
- White Wine → The basis!
- Orange & Lemon → Adds beautiful fruity and fresh flavors. You will only use the freshly squeezed out juice.
- Ginger → Thanks to its essential oil, it provides a warm, spicy and sweet aroma.
- Mulled Wine Spices → Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pod, and star anise give the mulled wine its Christmas flavor.
- Maple Syrup → Adds some sweetness. Adjust the amount to your liking. Can be substituted by a sweetener of your choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This visual step-by-step instruction will help you along the way – definitely recommended if you’re a cooking beginner!
- Wash the orange and lemon, then squeeze out its juice. Finely slice the ginger.
- Place all ingredients in a large saucepan or large pot and cook it over medium heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. → Avoid letting it bubble — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.
- Pour the mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve and serve warm in your favorite mug! Feel free to sweeten with more maple syrup or add a shot of rum, brandy, or amaretto.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
Pour the finished mulled wine into a glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can easily be prepared in advance!
Reheat in a small pot (only to a light simmering) and enjoy warm!
More Winter Comfort Drinks You’ll Love
- German Mulled Wine
- Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea
- Lemon Apple Ginger Shot
- Homemade Chai Tea Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Mexican Cafe de Olla
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below.
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📖 Recipe
White Mulled Wine
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Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1 orange only juice
- 1 lemon only juice
- 1 inch piece ginger sliced
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 4 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Wash the orange and lemon, then squeeze out its juice. Finely slice the ginger.
- Place all ingredients in a large pot and cook it over medium heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. → Avoid letting it bubble — you don't want to boil off the alcohol.
- Pour the mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve and serve warm in your favorite mug! Feel free to sweeten with more maple syrup or add a shot of rum, brandy, or amaretto.
