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Hot Spicy Wine that Glows

Hot Glühwein - Joujou  / pixelio.de
I don't think there is a better way to start a winter Sunday than what I'm doing right now. It's snowing outside and I'm sitting inside with a hot cup of black coffee and some Christmas cookies. But what would be the perfect ending to a snowy December Sunday? I'll tell you in a moment.

What to Drink at a Christmas Market in Switzerland

December is Christmas market season in Switzerland. In almost every bigger city there is a place or a street filled with booths that sell all kinds of handcrafted gifts, candles, spices and Christmas food. If you get cold while walking around you can buy a cup of hot punch or Glühwein to warm you up. Glühwein, which literally means 'glow wine', is basically hot wine with Christmas spices added to give it a special flavor. 

A small sip will warm you up from the inside and the hot cup warms your cold fingers. Add some Christmas music, the smell of cookies and light snowfall and you'll get the perfect Christmas outing. Just be careful to drink in moderation. Since Glühwein is hot and a bit sweet you don't notice the alcohol at first but once it hits, it's quite strong.

Making your own Glühwein

Sometimes, you'll prefer to stay home on a cold snowy evening. That doesn't mean that you'll have to give up on Glühwein. You can easily make your own batch of Glühwein at home. Just follow this simple recipe.

Glühwein Recipe

Ingredients: 
1 liter red wine
1/2 liter water
8 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 lemons (use peels only)
6 tablespoons sugar

Preparation:
Heat up the water and add the spices. Cook for 5 minutes. Add sugar, stir until dissolved. Add wine and heat everything up. Do NOT boil! Remove spices before serving!








© 2012 IRENE WYRSCH "A HUMOROUS GUIDE TO SWITZERLAND" ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Oh, thanks for the recipe! I have never done it myself, but really enjoy to drink one while walking in a Christmas market! :)

    ReplyDelete

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