Legume Free Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this classic German mulled wine is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel like a celebration. Dry red wine is gently heated with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and cloves alongside fresh citrus rounds, creating a richly layered flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match. A splash of brandy deepens the whole thing, and a touch of sugar lets you dial in the sweetness exactly to your taste. The key is patience — keeping the heat low so the wine never boils means all those spices have time to bloom without the alcohol cooking off or the flavors turning harsh. Every ingredient here is naturally free of legumes, so there's nothing to second-guess or swap out. Just strain it into mugs, add a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick if you're feeling festive, and enjoy it while it's steaming hot.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as merlot, pinot noir, or dornfelder)
- ¼ cup brandy or dark rum
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- ¼ tsp whole black peppercorns (optional)
For serving
- orange slices or cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the red wine, brandy, sugar, orange rounds, lemon rounds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cardamom pods in a medium saucepan. Add the peppercorns, if using.
- 2
Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, until steam rises steadily and small bubbles appear around the edges — about 10 minutes. Do not let the wine boil; reduce the heat to low as soon as it approaches a simmer.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!