Gluhwein

Christmas is so different in the UK compared to the USA. It seems to come a little earlier, but not as commercial. They don't celebrate Thanksgiving so Christmas just seems to loom larger and quicker here. They turn on the lights earlier and they have these wonderful German markets and other types of fairs that just lend a more celebratory atmosphere to the holiday, as opposed to the rush to the mall and all. One of the great things from the German markets is Gluhwein. Gluhwein is pretty much mulled wine or as I like to say hot sangria. One of my favorites was a cherry flavored gluwein that I bought in Manchester. I came up with this recipe and I think it's pretty close. Cheers!
                
Gluwein

3/4 cup sugar    

3/4 cup orange juice                

1 cinnamon stick                      

 

1  orange, cut in 1/2, juice reserved              

10 whole cloves                      

1 (750 ml) bottle red wine   

1 cup cherry brandy                     

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer.
2. Cut the orange in half, and squeeze the juice into the simmering water. Push the cloves into the outside of the orange peel, and place peel in the simmering water. Continue simmering for 30 minutes, until thick and syrupy.
3. Pour in the wine and brandy, and heat until steaming but not simmering.
4. Serve hot in mugs or glasses that have been preheated in warm water.