Every year from late November to early January, Germans enjoy having some warm Glühwein! It’s such a festive drink, and there would be no holiday season without it. So, since moving to Germany, we have joined in the tradition, and love making our own Glühwein at home during the colder months. It is a little bit like having a warm cup of spiced apple cider in the fall, except this time we add some citrus and hibiscus into the mix! Everyone in the family can enjoy this version of the punch made especially with children in mind (the adult version uses red wine for its liquid).
Here is what you need:
Except the honey, put all of your ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes so that the aromatics can fully saturate the liquid. Add the hibiscus and leave covered on low heat for another for 10 minutes. Then turn off the heat, add honey to taste and stir well. Finally, you should either filter the drink or scoop out the cooked ingredients to remove them. This drink is best enjoyed warm, so don’t hesitate to re-heat the punch when it gets cold. Serve in a clear mug if available to best enjoy the colours and garnish as desired.
We sometimes like to take some when we go for a hike in the forest! It’s such a lovely drink to enjoy outdoors, with or without a campfire! I think it’s actually even more enjoyable as the cold air makes quite a temperature contract. Then my daughter likes to blow to see if she can see her breath!
I really like this drink as it reminds me of the spiced hibiscus tea we would have as children in Africa. I find it so interesting that despite the distance, some drinks and foods from other cultures can still remind us of our own. We have the Silk Route to thank for this. So please let me know what you think of the festive and quite delicious concoction, enjoy!
This punch pairs very well with some delicious cookies. Why not try to adorable gingerbread cookies from Nomi or the yummy spiced cookies from Lindsay!
Und, frohe Ferienzeit aus Deutschland! (I hope I said that right!…) 😀
x Mariam