Vino Caliente: Mulled Wine or Glühwein
Vino Caliente, also known as Mulled Wine, Hot Spiced Wine, Glühwein or Vino Hervido, is the kind of drink that warms you from the inside out. It’s a classic winter tradition, perfect for festive gatherings, cool evenings, or when you just want something cozy to sip by the fire. Made by gently heating red wine with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus, this drink is aromatic, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spiced!
Glühwein vs Vino Caliente
Glühwein (pronounced gloo-vine) is the German version of mulled or spiced hot wine. The name literally means “glow wine,” referring to how it’s traditionally heated over open flames at Christmas markets. It’s made by gently warming red wine with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, plus citrus and a touch of sweetness.
Vino Caliente is the Latin American and Spanish name for mulled wine. It is also known as Vino Hervido, and is especially popular during the cold months in the Andes mountains or Highland (Sierra) regions.
Ingredient Notes
- Red wine: For this mulled wine recipe, a medium-bodied, inexpensive fruity red wine like Merlot, Tempranillo, or Côtes du Rhône works best. Avoid overly sweet or heavily oaked wines.
- Cinnamon sticks: Add warmth and a comforting aroma. You can also use a pinch of ground cinnamon if that’s all you have.
- Whole cloves: These add depth and a distinct holiday spice flavor.
- Star anis: Give the drink a subtle licorice note that balances beautifully with citrus.
- Allspice berries: Optional, but they add a round, peppery warmth that deepens the flavor.
- Brown sugar or honey: Adjust based on your preferred sweetness and the wine’s flavor.
- Oranges: Adds natural sweetness and brightness. You can mix in other citrus like mandarins, lemons, or blood oranges for variety.
Variations
- Mocktail version: Use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice. These are often sweet enough on their own, so reduce or skip the sugar.
- Citrus: Add slices of lemon, blood orange, or even a few kumquats for a more complex flavor.
- Extra spicy: Add a few cardamom pods, some nutmeg and even a small piece of fresh ginger for an extra kick.
- White wine version: Try it with a dry white wine and warm spices like cloves, cardamom, and a touch of honey.
Tips for the Best Vino Caliente (Glühwein)
- Don’t let it boil. Boiling can make the spiced wine taste harsh and reduce its pleasant flavors. Keep the heat low and gentle.
- Taste as you go. Start with less sugar and add more as needed. Some wines and citrus fruits are naturally sweeter.
- Use whole spices. They infuse slowly and evenly, and they’re easier to remove before serving.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare it in advance and gently reheat before serving, just don’t let it boil again.
How to Serve It
Vino Caliente is best served hot in mugs or heatproof glasses so you can hold it close and enjoy the warmth. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. It pairs perfectly with Christmas cookies, roasted nuts, or savory holiday snacks. The scent alone makes it a wonderful welcome drink for guests during the holidays or cozy nights in.
How to Store Spiced Hot Wine
If you have leftovers, let the vino caliente cool completely, then store it in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat before serving, avoid boiling to preserve the flavor and alcohol content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vino Caliente or Glühwein go bad?
Yes, Glühwein can go bad over time, especially once it’s been heated. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them in a sealed glass jar or bottle for up to 3 days. After that, the flavors can start to dull or taste slightly sour as the wine oxidizes.
What kind of wine should I use for Vino Caliente?
Choose a dry to medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, Tempranillo, Côtes du Rhône, use an every day inexpensive table wine. Avoid heavily oaked or very sweet wines, or anything too expensive.
Can I use leftover wine?
Yes, as long as it still tastes good on its own, it’s a great way to repurpose an open bottle.
Vino Caliente: Mulled Wine or Glühwein
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine 750 ml
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 cloves
- 4 whole star anises
- 4 all spice peppers optional
- 2-4 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey
- 3 oranges, sliced – you can also use other citrus fruits (kumquats, mandarin oranges, blood oranges, lemons, etc.)
Instructions
- Place the red wine, the spices, the sugar and half of the orange slices in a medium sized pot.
- Heat it gently and lower the heat right before it boils.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20-30minutes. You can simmer it for longer if you want to concentrate the spiceflavors and reduce the alcohol content.
- Strain or remove the spices and cooked orange slices if you prefer.
- Serve it hot, garnished with an orange sliceand/or cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Use a store-bought mix of gluhwein spices if you prefer or have them already available.
- Feel free to add additional spices: cardamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc or adjust the ones you use based on your personal taste.
- You can also use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice for a zero proof version. Since these are usually already sweet you can omit adding the sugar or add less.
Step by step preparation photos for Vino Caliente, Mulled Wine or Glühwein:
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