The greatest mulled wine (or glhwein) is very simple to prepare in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop and makes for a deliciously spiced, warm Christmas drink! Serve with holiday cookies or a yule log cake.
Have you tried Glhwein? I’m sure you’ve spent time with Germans around the holidays. If you hang around with Scandinavian people, you may have heard it referred to as glgg.
If none of those seem familiar, I’m sure you’ve heard of mulled wine. Consider it a winter sangria.
It’s definitely my favorite aspect of the Christkindlmarkt. I used to go to the one in Chicago every year while I lived in Illinois (after I turned 21, of course), and my first stop was always getglhwein.
Then there’s bratwurst, loaded pretzels, and marzipan sweets.
There is no coldness or control.
The aroma of mulled wine is really soothing. Something about this specific blend of spices warmed with red wine simply makes everything seem cozier.
The scent permeates the home and transforms into an excellent natural air freshener that does not need any plugs or chemicals. Indeed, it fades with time, but that only means you’ll have to prepare more mulled wine.
Oh, no. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
I like making things from scratch, but I also enjoy making things easy when possible. Here is when a local farm’s spice combination comes in helpful!
I strongly suggest keeping a tin of mulling spices on hand so that you can whip up a pot of mulled wine at the drop of a hat when friends drop by.
I know we live in an age where unexpected visitors make us want to turn out all the lights and hide in the closet till they go, but let’s push that deep down and invite people into our homes this Christmas season, shall we?!
A spoonful of fresh mulling spices from Soluna Garden Farm in Massachusetts was used in this batch. We’ve previously purchased spices from them at their stand at the Boston Public Market (one of our favorite locations to buy local), and they’re delicious. Their mulling spices are no different.
So make your way over to the tea aisle and have a peek. Is there no local merchant nearby? Coffee will most likely be available at your local grocery shop.
Contents
- Is mulled wine different from red wine?
- Making mulled wine in an Instant Pot
- What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
- Mulled wine ingredients
- What is “Glühwein mit Schuss”?
- Serving mulled wine
- How to store mulled wine
- Instant Pot Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
- FAQs
- Is there a difference between mulled wine and Glühwein?
- What wine is best for Glühwein?
- What is the best temperature for Glühwein?
- What wine is best for homemade mulled wine?
- Why is Glühwein so cheap?
- What is the best way to heat mulled wine?
- Why is my Glühwein bitter?
- Does alcohol cook out in Glühwein?
- What brandy is best for mulled wine?
- How long should you heat mulled wine?
Is mulled wine different from red wine?
It is! Although mulled wine tastes like red wine, the entire flavor profile is altered by heating and mulling it with sugar and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
Making mulled wine in an Instant Pot
Hey, have I honestly not mentioned that this is prepared in an Instant Pot yet?! Charlie Brown, please.
Housewarming celebration. Well, this is my first Instant Pot dish on the site since a friend generously gifted one to Bill and me at our bridal shower.
I’d been debating which recipe to share first (GET IT? ), and this one seemed ideal. There is no hassle and no fuss.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook this on the stovetop in a saucepan just as easily. Handmade mulled wine is not specific to IP!
Combine all ingredients in a big pot over low heat for approximately 15 minutes. Do not let to boil! About 170°F, alcohol begins to evaporate.
If preferred, strain through a fine mesh sieve (aff link) before serving.
Mulled wine ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients for this simple mulled wine recipe:
- A high-quality, full-bodied red wine (Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, or Malbec are all fine choices) with a taste that can withstand heat.
- Brandy
- Apple
- Anise (star anise)
- The cinnamon stick
- peppercorns, black
- Honey or granulated sugar
- Spices being mulled
If you don’t have any mulling spices on hand, you may substitute:
- One more cinnamon stick
- Cloves, whole
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Orange peel, fresh or dried
What is “Glühwein mit Schuss”?
I like drinking glhweinmit Schuss, which means I usually add additional liquor to the mix. My personal preference is brandy, but you may also try your preferred rum.
Serving mulled wine
Before serving, I prefer to add a few orange slices to each cup and call it a day, but you may add cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, star anise, apple slices, or whatever else you desire.
Oh, a quick reminder: those apple slices in the saucepan with everything? They transform into these really delicious alcoholic apple slices. I strongly advise you to keep them and have a snack.
How to store mulled wine
Any leftovers may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Instant Pot Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
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Description
Equipment
- The Instant Pot
- a big pot
Ingredients
- 1 750mL bottle of a full-bodied red wine, such as Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, or Malbec
- 8ouncesbrandy
- 1 thinly sliced apple of any kind
- anise 2 stars
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp granulated sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon of mulling spices*
*If you don’t have pre-made mulling spices, add:
- 1 more cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- teaspoonallspice
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp dried or fresh orange peel
Instructions
- 1 tablespoon dried or fresh orange peel, 2 teaspoon allspice, pinch nutmeg
In the Instant Pot, combine all of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
1 750 mL bottle full-bodied red wine, 8 ounces brandy, 1 apple, 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or honey, 1 tablespoon mulling spices*, 1 more cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon mulling spices*, 1 teaspoon mulling spices*, 1 teaspoon mulling spices*, 1 teaspoon mulling spices*, 1 teaspoon mulling spices*, 1 teaspoon mul - When you set your IP to cook, it will go through a preheating phase before starting to cook at the time you specify when it is ready.
- Turn the steam valve cautiously with an oven mitt to remove all of the pressure.
- If you don’t want the spices and apple pieces in your drink, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- or star anise, and enjoy!
Serve with orange and apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries.
Notes
- What if you don’t have an Instant Pot? Combine all ingredients in a big saucepan on the stovetop and cook over low heat for approximately 15 minutes (do not let to boil!). If preferred, strain over a fine mesh filter before serving.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.