Glühwein for one: Must-Try Winter Wine Cocktails

As the chill of winter wraps around us, it's the perfect season to snuggle under plush blankets, ignite a warm fire, and savor the rich flavors of Glühwein. Whether you're looking to unwind solo or share an intimate moment with your partner, we’ve created the perfect recipe for a single serving of Glühwein to enjoy on a chilly Winter’s eve.

Never heard of Glühwein? This delightful winter wine cocktail hails from the festive streets of Germany and Austria. The term "Glühwein," translating to "glow wine," harks back to the days of heating wine with hot irons. A hallmark of Christmas markets, Glühwein often features a delightful splash of brandy, rum, or Amaretto, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

For those cozy nights spent at home, why not treat yourself to a perfectly portioned serving of Glühwein? With a Coravin Timeless or Pivot system, you can effortlessly pour the right amount of wine for your recipe, preserving the remainder for future toasts or quiet evenings. To cater to your preferences, we have curated two exquisite Glühwein recipes – one featuring the robust depth of red wine, and the other showcasing the lighter, aromatic charm of white wine. Both are sure to elevate your winter cocktail experience. Whether you're a red wine enthusiast or have a penchant for white wine, these Glühwein recipes will add a touch of magic to your winter evenings.

Red Wine Glühwein

Ingredients:

- 150ml (5oz) of Red Wine of your choice. Use the Coravin Timeless or Pivot system to extract wine from the bottle and preserve what remains for future enjoyment.

- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar

- 1 small piece of a Cinnamon Stick

- 2 Cloves

- 1 optional Stare Anise

- Small strip of orange peel

Instructions

1. Use your Coravin wine-by-the-glass system to pour 5 oz (150 ml) of red wine into a measuring jug.

2. Combine your ingredients in a small saucepan. Combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and orange to the pan.

3. Heat the mixture on low to medium heat. It’s important not to let it boil as boiling will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavor. Aim to get the pot hot enough without simmering.

4. Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the spices to infuse. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

5. Once the Glühwein is hot a flavored to your liking, strain it and pour it into a heat-resistant glass or mug.

6. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange or a cinnamon stick and enjoy your warm, aromatic serving of Glühwein!

White Wine Glühwein

Ingredients

- 150ml (5oz) of White Wine. A good choice would be a dry or semi-dry variety of Riesling or Chardonnay. Use the Coravin Timeless or Pivot system to extract wine from the bottle and preserve what remains for future enjoyment.

- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

- 1 small piece of a Cinnamon Stick

- 2 Cloves

- 1 optional Stare Anise

- Small strip of orange peel

- 2 lightly crushed Cardamom Pods

- Optional strip of ginger for and extra bit of zing extra

- 1 optional tablespoon of Amaretto. Some parts of Germany use Amaretto in white wine Glühwein for a slightly sweeter, nuttier taste.

Instructions

1. Use your Coravin wine—by-the-glass system to pour 150 ml of white wine into a measuring jug.

2. Combine your ingredients in a small saucepan. Combine white wine, sugar or honey, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange, cardamom, ginger and Amaretto to the pain.

3. Heat the mixture on low to medium heat. Ensuring the mixture does not boil as boiling will evaporate the alcohol and alter the flavor.

4.Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the spices to infuse. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

5. Once the Glühwein is hot a flavored to your liking, strain it and pour it into a heat-resistant glass or mug.

6. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange or a cinnamon stick and enjoy your warm, aromatic serving of Glühwein!

Glühwein is the perfect drink for a cozy evening or a festive occasion. Whether you’re crafting a solo cup or sharing a batch with a loved one on a chilly evening, these recipes are sure to kindle warmth and joy.

But why stop there? For those eager to explore more Winter Wine Cocktails, check out Coravin’s 9 Winter Wine Cocktail ebook. A treasure trove of innovative and enticing recipes. From a bold and tantalizing Spicy Noir to a sophisticated Communard. There’s something for every palate and occasion.

Each recipe in this collection has been thoughtfully crafted to showcase the versatility and richness of wine as a key ingredient in winter cocktails. By using the Coravin system, you can experiment with these recipes without the worry of wasting a single drop of your favorite wines. Embrace the spirit of the season with a glass of Glühwein in hand, and feel free to explore the myriad of Coravin’s Winter Wine Cocktails seen in our featured blog articles below.

Here’s to many more cozy, wine-filled winter nights!