This year, of course, it’s not possible to come and enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere, but if you can’t come to Austria to experience it, you can bring the Austrian holiday spirit right into your home. And what’s the best way to experience the holiday atmosphere without leaving the house? With a little hot wine, of course!
So here is a traditional Austrian recipe for this beautiful time of the year.
Glühwein – Simple and Easy
Anyone who has ever visited a Christmas market in Vienna has surely tasted some of the hot wine found at almost every stall. There is no doubt that a glass or two of hot wine is an excellent “remedy” for the freezing cold outside. The following recipe is the traditional one for making Austrian-style mulled wine. The secret to a perfect Glühwein is the right, balanced combination of red wine, cinnamon sticks, sugar, orange, and cloves (the spice, of course).
Preparation time: 20 minutes Servings: 7 to 9 glasses
Ingredients:
- Two bottles of good quality red wine
- 2 ¼ cups of water (570 ml)
- Juice squeezed from two lemons
- Two-thirds of a cup of sugar (140 grams)
- 6 whole cloves
- Two cinnamon sticks
- 2 oranges – cut into edible pieces
- Oranges for garnish
How to Make Austrian Mulled Wine:
Making mulled wine is very simple!
First Step:
Mix all the ingredients in a pot and heat until the mixture almost reaches boiling point. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring gently from time to time. Please note: It is important to ensure that the mixture does not reach a boil.
Second Step:
Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks and pour into heat-resistant glasses. You can add a slice of orange to the glass for garnish.
Third Step:
Drink with pleasure, but not in excess, and as the Austrians say: Prost!
For those who haven’t had the chance to be at the Christmas markets in Austria, you can read about the markets in Vienna and prepare yourselves for the next travel year!
