Mulled Wine or Glühwein

This post is part of my vacation away series. These posts are from other blogging endeavors and aren't about Southern Ohio but I hope you find them fun, interesting and informative! I am around to read comments so don't hesitate to leave them :)

Mulled Wine (or Glühwein as my german acquaintance calls it) is the perfect hot drink to serve at a party on a chilly winter evening. It’s sweet, spicy, hot and festive! Here's the recipe I follow...

Serving: 4-6 mugs

1 Bottle of Red Wine
1 Large Orange
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 cup White Sugar

1 cup Water
Jar of Cloves

Optional: honey, ground allspice, nutmeg, ginger
Prep: stick cloves in halved/quartered oranges, measure sugar and water

1. Simple Sugar - Make a simple sugar with equal parts water & sugar
2. Boil - Bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved then lower heat to a simmer.
3. Add - Halved/Quartered Oranges with cloves in the pot to simmer
4. Add - Cinnamon sticks to the pot
5. Simmer - for 20-30 minutes
6. Add - Red Wine
7. Lower Heat - keep it hot and steamy; no bubbling
8. Taste - add extra sugar to taste
9. Enjoy!

If you make Glühwein before any party, it will make the whole house smell fragrant and festive!