Winter’s official start is still weeks away, but already we are being reminded that sunny is not the same as warm.
But as I like to say, when Canada sends you arctic blasts, make Glühwein.
I made my first batch of the season last night, with a new secret ingredient, recipe below!
If you’d rather someone else prepare your Glühwein for you, note that it is available at Prost! (4237 N Mississippi), The Berlin Inn (3131 SE 12th), and other places around town.
Dave Knows’ Arctic Blast Glühwein Recipe
- 1 bottle (750 ml) inexpensive dry red wine
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Sugar or honey (to taste)
- 2/3 cup (approx. 150 ml) Bärenfang, aka Bärenjäger – a German honey-flavored liqueur
In a saucepan heat all ingredients except the Bärenfang. Bring to a low simmer, then take off heat, remove half the lemon slices (unless you like your Glühwein really citrusy), and let steep for an hour (or two).
Add Bärenfang, and sugar or honey to taste. Heat to just shy of boiling. Pour through a sieve into warmed-up mugs. Enjoy!
I perfected another recipe last winter which I call Winter Solstice Glühwein; you can find that recipe here: Glühwein conditions in Portland.
I call mine Vin Chaud, as I was introduced to it by Francophiles. There’s a link here for my recipe: http://tinyurl.com/yhrfg3j.
Thanks devlyn, I’ll give your recipe a shot!
There is nothing that smells nicer than the gluhwein. It’s really, really important not to heat this stuff up too much or too long or the alcohol dissipates. I wouldn’t even let it simmer. You just want to warm it up a touch, otherwise you just end up with spicy juice.
XUP – I bring it up to just shy of a boil, and of course add barenjager – so it’s plenty powerful!
I’m posting the traditional German Gluwein recipe tomorrow. It doesn’t have barenjager in it though. I’ve never heard in made with that. I don’t even know what barenjager is – Bear Hunter is the translation, right? Sounds ominous.
XUP – Oh cool, I can’t wait! I also just recently discovered the English Bishop; a hot wine drink made with port. I’m going to try to make some this weekend . . .
Barenjager is a brand of honey liqueur. It’s yummy. Bears like honey?
Agreed about the Barenjager.