To me there’s nothing more festive during the holiday than strolling a German Christmas market with a warm mug of glühwein. It’s an easy and delicious way to bring cheer to any holiday party. Here’s my method! (This is to provide for a whole party, you can easily cut this in half and still have plenty!)
COOK TIME: Less than 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
4 lemons
4 oranges
20 whole cloves
10 cardamom pods
2.5 cups granulated sugar
2.5 cups water
4 cinnamon sticks
4 (750ml) bottles Cabernet Sauvignon
1 cup brandy
1) Peel the zest off the lemons and oranges, try to get as little of the pith as possible. Juice all the citrus. Put the zest in a large pot with the sugar, water, juice, and cinnamon sticks. Tie off the cardamom and cloves in cheesecloth and add to the pot. On high heat bring to a simmer. Turn to low and simmer for ~22 minutes.
2) Add the brandy and wine and turn up the heat. DO NOT BRING TO A BOIL! Once it is warm enough, strain and transfer to the serving container of your choice.
3) Garnish your glass with a cinnamon stick & orange slice. PROST!