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Glühwein conditions in Portland

December 21, 2008 by Dave 5 Comments

coldweatherI wasn’t kidding when I said if we had to postpone our move (again) I’d work on perfecting my glühwein recipe.

Citrus, cloves, and cinnamon are the common elements of virtually all recipes I’ve found. Some recipes also call for cardamom, or ginger. In our experimentation we’ve found that ginger adds a disagreeable medicinal flavor. Our corner market doesn’t have cardamom, so we went with the basics last night. With one notable secret ingredient, if you will.

In our freezer, nearly forgotten since the halcyon days of summer, I found a half-full bottle of Limoncello. While delicious, it’s too sweet for my taste. So it languished in the freezer from September until yesterday; the shortest day of the year.

Winter Solstice Glühwein Recipe

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) inexpensive dry red wine
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • 2/3 cup (approx. 150 ml) Limoncello

In a saucepan heat all ingredients except the Limoncello and sugar.  Bring to a low simmer, then take off heat and let steep for an hour (or two).

Add Limoncello, and sugar to taste.  Heat to just shy of boiling.  Remove cloves, cinnamon, and lemon slices and pour into mugs. Enjoy!

Add more Limoncello, or brandy, if you want a stronger drink. I am going to try replacing the Limoncello with (locally produced at New Deal) LOFT Tangerine-cello or Lemongrass-cello when I get the chance.

Filed Under: Recipe, Spirits, Wine

Comments

  1. Brent A. says

    December 24, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    Hey David. You should get a bottle of gluhwein and do some blind taste testing between your recipe and the commercial version. =)

    Happy Holidays!

  2. KAB says

    December 29, 2008 at 1:17 pm

    I did a similar activity while we were snowed in last week, though I admit I’d had a craving for my dad’s Tom and Jerrys for a couple of weeks before that. Warm, spicy drinks make everything so much happier!

    – KAB, GoodStuffNW

  3. Dave says

    December 29, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    Brent A – I like your idea; we have homework to do!

    KAB – Yeah, I figure if life gives you snow storms (and wine, and cinnamon, and cloves, etc.) you might as well make Glühwein! 😉

    I’ll have to try that Tom and Jerry recipe!

  4. Molly says

    January 1, 2009 at 8:12 pm

    Just came across your blog! As a recent transplant to Portland, I’m finding it really informative. And fun. Thanks for sharing!

  5. Dave says

    January 1, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Molly – Welcome to Portland, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog!

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