A ‘Wine Way’ to Keep Warm on a Winter Night

Nothing warms the soul on a cold night better than gluhwein — which transforms a bottle of red wine into a hot, spicy treat.

Gluhwein is especially popular in Europe, where it’s a wintertime staple at ski resorts and outdoor Christmas markets — almost as popular at hot cocoa.

This recipe is based on the gluhwein served in restaurants at the Mount Titlis ski resort in Engelberg, Switzerland. Non-oaky renditions of Zinfandel, Gamay and Pinot Noir are among the wine varieties that work especially well.

GLUHWEIN

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 bottle (750-ml.) fruit-forward red wine
• 4 tbsp. sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 oranges

Preparation

1. Thoroughly clean surface of oranges.

2. Use potato peeler to collect outer rind from one of the oranges.

3. Place water, cloves, cinnamon and rind in a small pot.

4. Bring water to a slow boil.

5. Stir in sugar.

6. Reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes.

7. Add wine to pot and heat, taking care to avoid boiling.

8. Slice the second orange into thin wheels.

9. Ladle Gluhwein through sieve to collect spices.

10. Add one orange wheel to each mug and serve.