If you've ever wondered, "What the heck is Gluhwein?!" you're in the right place!

Gluhwein is the German word for mulled wine, a traditional warm, spiced red wine that's especially popular during the winter months and at Christmas markets throughout Germany.

The name translates to "glowing wine," and after one sip of this cozy holiday drink, you'll understand why!

This easy Gluhwein recipe is made with red wine, sugar, lemon juice, and Gluhfix mulled wine tea bags for a simple way to enjoy homemade German mulled wine without measuring out a dozen different spices.

My dad's side of the family is from Hamburg, Germany, so making Gluhwein is a special family tradition. My dad is famous for bringing a large thermal of homemade Gluhwein to outdoor parties so everyone can enjoy a warm mug around the fire.

This is our family's easy version of traditional German mulled wine, and I hope it becomes a holiday tradition in your home, too!

Why You'll Love This Easy Gluhwein Recipe

Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness, add extra cinnamon, or make a nonalcoholic version with fruit juice.

Easy to make: Gluhfix tea bags make it simple to prepare homemade mulled wine without measuring individual spices.

A traditional German holiday drink: Enjoy a cozy mug of warm Gluhwein inspired by my family's German roots.

Perfect for entertaining: Make a large batch on the stovetop and keep it warm in a thermal or slow cooker for holiday gatherings.

Ready in minutes: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

What Are Gluhfix Tea Bags?

Gluhfix tea bags are spice sachets made specifically for preparing Gluhwein, or German mulled wine.

Instead of adding individual spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel to your wine, you can use Gluhfix tea bags to infuse the wine with warm, traditional mulled wine spices.

This makes them a convenient option for preparing homemade Gluhwein, especially when you're making a large batch for a holiday party.

You can find Gluhfix mulled wine tea bags online, including on Amazon.

If you can't find Gluhfix, you can use another mulled wine spice tea bag or make your own spice mixture with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and dried orange peel.

How to Make Gluhwein Without Tea Bags

If you can't find Gluhfix tea bags, you can still make delicious homemade Gluhwein using whole spices.

For a similar warm, spiced flavor, add the following to your pot:

2 cinnamon sticks
5–6 whole cloves
2–3 strips of orange peel
Optional: 1 star anise

Add the spices to the wine as it warms and allow them to steep over low heat. Remove the spices before serving.

You can also use a pre-made mulled wine spice blend if you have one available.

How to Make Microwave Mulled Wine

Want to make a single mug of Gluhwein without heating up a whole pot?

You can easily make microwave mulled wine!

Add 1 cup of red wine to a microwave-safe mug.
Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sugar and a small squeeze of lemon juice.
Add a Gluhfix tea bag or a pinch of mulled wine spices.
Microwave for 1–2 minutes, until warm. Avoid allowing the wine to boil.
Let the tea bag steep for a few minutes, then remove it before serving.

Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Tip: Microwave times will vary depending on your microwave and the amount of wine you're heating. Use a microwave-safe mug with plenty of room at the top.

What do you need for the best Gluhwein:

Ingredients for Homemade Gluhwein

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy German Gluhwein recipe! Using Gluhfix tea bags makes it easy to infuse the wine with traditional mulled wine spices without measuring out individual spices.

Red Wine

A dry red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a red wine blend, works great for homemade Gluhwein. You don't need an expensive bottle of wine for this recipe! The wine provides the base for this traditional German mulled wine.

Gluhfix Tea Bags

Gluhfix tea bags are made specifically for preparing Gluhwein. They contain a blend of warm spices that infuse the wine with that classic mulled wine flavor. They're a convenient alternative to measuring out individual spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness and balances the bold flavor of the red wine and spices. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you prefer your Gluhwein.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and brings a little freshness to the warm, spiced wine. Fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice both work well.

Optional Additions

Cinnamon sticks: Add an extra layer of warm, cozy spice. They're also a lovely garnish for serving.

Spiced rum: A splash of spiced rum added to each mug makes the drink a little richer and adds another layer of warm spice flavor.

Lemon peel: A twist of lemon peel makes a simple, fresh garnish that complements the citrus in the recipe.

How to make:

Dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon juice and sugar to a large pot. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add the red wine. Pour the wine into the pot and stir to combine.
Add the Gluhfix tea bags. Place the tea bags in the pot and allow the wine to warm gently.
Simmer gently. Heat over low to medium-low heat until the wine is steaming and just beginning to simmer. Do not allow it to rapidly boil.
Steep and serve. Keep warm until ready to serve. Remove the tea bags before pouring into mugs, if desired.
Tip: Gluhwein is meant to be served warm, not boiling. Keeping the wine at a gentle heat helps preserve its flavor.

Tip: Do not allow the wine to rapidly boil, only bring to a simmer and then keep warm.

Gluhwein Recipe FAQs

What is Gluhwein?

Gluhwein is a traditional German mulled wine made by gently heating red wine with spices and sweeteners. It's especially popular during the winter and Christmas season.

What is the best wine for Gluhwein?

A dry, inexpensive red wine is perfect for Gluhwein. You don't need an expensive bottle since the wine will be warmed with sugar, citrus, and spices.

A red wine blend or a wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well.

Can you make Gluhwein with tea bags?

Yes! Gluhfix and other mulled wine spice tea bags are a convenient way to make Gluhwein. They infuse the wine with warm spices without requiring you to measure individual ingredients.

Can you make Gluhwein in the microwave?

Yes! You can make a single serving of mulled wine in the microwave by combining wine, sugar, lemon juice, and mulled wine spices in a microwave-safe mug. Heat until warm, but do not allow the wine to boil.

Can you make Gluhwein without alcohol?

Yes! For a nonalcoholic version, use apple cider, cranberry juice, grape juice, or nonalcoholic red wine in place of the red wine.

What is the difference between Gluhwein and mulled wine?

Gluhwein is the German version of mulled wine. Both are made by warming wine with spices and sweeteners, but Gluhwein is traditionally associated with German Christmas markets and holiday celebrations.

Can you make Gluhwein ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Gluhwein ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can you make Gluhwein in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add the ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on LOW until warm. Once heated, switch to the KEEP WARM setting to maintain the temperature for serving.

How do you store leftover Gluhwein?

Allow the Gluhwein to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Gluhwein

If you have leftover Gluhwein, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or heat a mug in the microwave until warm.

Avoid bringing the wine to a rapid boil.

You can also prepare Gluhwein ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

How to Make Nonalcoholic Gluhwein (Kinderpunsch)

If you're looking for a nonalcoholic version of German mulled wine, try making Kinderpunsch!

Kinderpunsch is a warm, spiced fruit drink commonly enjoyed by children and anyone who prefers a drink without alcohol.

To make a simple version:

Replace the red wine with grape juice, apple cider, or cranberry juice.
Add sugar and lemon juice to taste.
Add Gluhfix tea bags or your favorite mulled wine spices.
Heat gently in a saucepan until warm and fragrant.

This makes a cozy holiday drink that the whole family can enjoy.

I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a review or a star rating below