Spanish glühwein (2024)

Have you ever had Spanish glühwein? You probably have but it wasn’t called glühwein, it was called Spanish glühwein (1)sangria. Yet both glühwein and sangria are children to the same parent.

As I wanted to share the delicious sangria recipe below with you I also wanted to enlighten you and myself on sangria’s history. I did a quick Google search and the internet told me that sangria is as Spanish as red wine.

It all started with the Romans. During one of their outings in Europe they invaded the Iberian peninsula and planted grapevines everywhere. As they introduced wine making they introduced wine drinking as well. In those days water was often too dirty to drink, wine was much safer. Since the wine was often of low quality they added spices and sweeteners to improve the taste.

Spanish glühwein (2)This way of consuming wine spread across Europe and went on for a while. During the middle ages the drink was called hippocras and in the 1700’s and 1800’s it was simply called punch. Things changed since the Romans, water got drinkable and wine got better. Yet there concoction survived in two countries. In Germany it’s called glühwein and in Spain it’s called sangria. Glühwein is usually made with spices and served hot, sangria is served cold and uses fruit. Nonetheless they have the same ancestor.

So is sangria typically Spanish, it’s arguable. But when done well it makes for refreshing summer aperitif. Do stay away from any boxed versions. If you want to try it yourself you can find a great recipe here. It’s easy to make but it takes some time for the flavors to develop. This recipe calls for grilling your fruit which will give the sangria a smoky flavor, almost like glühwein. The sparkling wine adds some pizazz. Enjoy!

[Article by Alexander Eeckhout]

Spanish glühwein (2024)

FAQs

What would you be drinking if you had Glühwein? ›

The word “Glühwein” roughly translates to “glow wine.” A traditional Glühwein typically includes a variety of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and star anise. This German mulled wine also features citrus, vanilla, and sugar. It is most often made with red wine, although you can use white wine if you prefer.

What is the difference between glögg and Glühwein? ›

What is the difference between glögg and glühwein? Glögg is a popular winter drink in the Nordic countries, while glühwein is enjoyed in German-speaking countries. What connects these two drinks? Glögg is an essential part of the winter season in Sweden as well as the other Nordic countries.

Why do Germans drink Glühwein? ›

Glühwein is traditionally served at stalls at Christmas markets across Germany and Austria to keep people warm as they shop and socialize. This recipe is for the German Glühwein, which literally translates to glow-wine, because of how you feel after you've been drinking tiny mugs outside in December.

What is the literal translation of Glühwein? ›

Gluhwein, literally translated as "glow wine", is traditionally served in German speaking countries.

Is mulled wine very alcoholic? ›

Not much. Mulled wine is warmed, not boiled. Usually with added spices. Whether in a still or in boeuf bourguignon, the higher the heat, the more alcohol is released.

What is the difference between sangria and Glühwein? ›

Glühwein is usually made with spices and served hot, sangria is served cold and uses fruit. Nonetheless they have the same ancestor. So is sangria typically Spanish, it's arguable. But when done well it makes for refreshing summer aperitif.

Does alcohol burn off in gluhwein? ›

All ingredients are combined and heated to approximately 150-160 degrees. Be careful not to over heat or boil the mixture. Since alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees which is much lower than water you would be left with a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine and that defeats the purpose.

Is gluhwein just mulled wine? ›

Gluhwein, or Mulled Wine, is a hot, spiced wine drink in which red wine is simmered with sugar, orange, and warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The result is a warm and cozy drink that is fragrant, perfectly sweet, and full of flavor.

What is the best wine for Glühwein? ›

Zinfandels, Merlots, Syrah/Shiraz, or Garnache tend to work best. Avoid red wines high in tannins or have an oaky flavor, and avoid light reds. Sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to have a full-bodied, fruity flavor, can work in a pinch, as can Malbec, which tends to have a bold, spicy flavor.

Why is my Glühwein bitter? ›

You need to infuse the wine long enough with the spices to take on their flavour but DON'T ON ANY ACCOUNT LET THE MIXTURE BOIL as you'll be left with a bitter taste. Slow and low is the way to go. And it shouldn't be served piping hot, just comfortably - and comfortingly - warm.

Does Aldi sell Glühwein? ›

Glühwein Mulled Wine 1l | ALDI.

How much alcohol is in Aldi Glühwein? ›

Aldi Gluhwein

It felt thin yet it had an ABV of 8%, making it one of the strongest wines we tried. I didn't feel the high price tag of 60p per 100ml was justified.

What does Pinot mean in French to English? ›

The word Pinot comes from the French term for “pine cone,” but what does that have to do with grapes? Well, if you take a close look at a cluster of a sumptuous and juicy Pinot variety on the vine, you will quickly see that its grapes bunch together in a tight, pine cone-like shape.

Does Glühwein make you drunk? ›

Because Glühwein is warmed for so long—traditionally over hot irons, hence its literal name 'glowing wine'—it is barely alcoholic and, at least in Germany, totally fine for children to drink along with their Lebkuchen (a traditional German baked treat).

How strong is Glühwein? ›

Mulled wine
Mulled wine served in glass mugs at a Christmas market in Germany
Alcohol by volume0–15%
IngredientsWine (red), spices and fruit
VariantsGlühwein, Glögg, and many others

Does the alcohol cook out of Glühwein? ›

With the goal of consuming the alcohol, any evaporated alcohol is a small affront to the holiday season. But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process.

Can boiling wine get you drunk? ›

No, you will not. Unless you're jungle. Then you drink the wine raw. You need to know that when you cook with alcohol, spirits, whatever it is, the alcohol evaporates at 172 degrees Fahrenheit.

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