Glühwein (Spiced wine)

Glühwein is one of my favourite drinks for those cold winter evenings. It's very easy to make and doesn't cost that much either.

This is my twist to a recipe that I found online. The main changes are that I scaled the recipe up to make 3L in one go. Another change is that I add fresh orange juice. I found that this makes a big difference.
In New Zealand herbs can be bought in bigger quantities for a good price at places like "Bin In".
Ingredients:
  • 3L dry red wine, I buy 3L of boxed wine from the supermarket.
  • 10 -12 tbsp sugar.
  • 1 lemon, sliced.
  • 2 oranges
  • 12 cloves.
  • 12 cardamom pods.
  • 4 star anise.
  • 4 cinnamon sticks.
​Before we start, as with every brewing project make sure all your equipment is clean before you use it.
  1. Measure of 500ml of the red wine and pour it into a saucepan together with all the ingredients except the orange juice.
  2. Let it simmer for about 1 to 2 hours.
  3. After the simmering is done, pour the remaining 2.5L of wine in a mixing bowl or another saucepan that can hold at least 3L.
  4. Strain the simmered wine and mix it with the other 2.5L of wine.
  5. Squeeze and strain the two oranges and add the juice to the 3L of wine.
  6. Bottle the wine so you can enjoy it on a cold rainy day. I use 750ml reusable bottles.
  7. Enjoy.