A traditional festive drink that fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) LOUIS GUNTRUM DORNFELDER red wine
• 1 orange (organic if possible)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 6-8 whole cloves
• 2-3 star anise (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 100ml water or orange juice (optional, to dilute)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the orange: Wash the orange thoroughly. Cut 5-6 thick slices and stud a few of them with cloves by pressing the cloves into the orange flesh.
2. Combine ingredients: Pour the Dornfelder wine into a large pot. Add the orange slices (including the clove-studded ones), cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sugar or honey.
3. Heat gently: Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Important: Do not let it boil! Boiling evaporates the alcohol and can make the wine taste bitter. Keep the temperature around 70-75°C (160-170°F).
4. Steep: Once heated, reduce heat to low and let the Glühwein steep for 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse fully.
5. Strain and serve: Remove the orange slices and whole spices with a slotted spoon (or strain through a fine sieve). Serve hot in mugs or heat-resistant glasses.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick
• Serve with traditional German Christmas cookies (Lebkuchen, Spekulatius)
• Keep warm in a slow cooker or on very low heat for parties
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat (without boiling)

Tips:

• Dornfelder’s fruity, full-bodied character works wonderfully for Glühwein
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness as needed
• The longer it steeps (without boiling), the more intense the spice flavors

Prost und frohe Weihnachten! 🎄