Bring the warmth and traditions of Europe’s Christmas markets into your home with three festive recipes—including a homemade holiday gift idea!
There’s something magical about visiting a European Christmas market during the holiday season. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated wooden stalls, handcrafted gifts, and tempting aromas of freshly baked treats create an unforgettable experience. And perhaps no fragrance captures the spirit of these markets quite like Glühwein, the traditional hot mulled wine enjoyed throughout Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe.
Whether you’ve experienced the Christmas markets firsthand or dream of visiting one someday, you can recreate a little of that holiday magic at home.
We’re sharing three simple ways to enjoy this beloved European tradition: a classic Glühwein recipe, homemade mulling spice packets that make wonderful holiday gifts, and a delicious non-alcoholic hot spiced tea that everyone can enjoy.
The Tradition of Glühwein at Europe’s Christmas Markets
Glühwein (pronounced GLOO-vine) translates roughly to “glow wine” in German, a reference to the warmth of the heated wine.
For generations, Europeans have enjoyed variations of warm, spiced wine during the colder months. Today, Glühwein is one of the signature experiences of traditional Christmas markets, particularly in Germany and Austria.
Visitors gather around market stalls, warming their hands with steaming mugs of fragrant wine while browsing holiday decorations, ornaments, and handmade treasures.
Each market and vendor may have its own special recipe, but the traditional ingredients usually include red wine, cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and sugar.
One of the charming traditions of European Christmas markets is the collectible Glühwein mug. Many markets create a new commemorative design each year, making these mugs popular souvenirs for travelers.
Now, you can bring that same festive experience into your own kitchen!
Recipe #1: Traditional German Glühwein (Hot Mulled Wine)
This easy recipe captures the wonderful flavors of traditional Christmas market Glühwein. It’s perfect for holiday entertaining, Christmas parties, or relaxing by the fireplace.
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 4 whole allspice berries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brandy or orange liqueur for additional richness
Instructions
- Prepare the spices. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries into a reusable tea infuser or small muslin spice bag. This makes removing the spices easy.
- Create the spice infusion. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange slices, and spice bag. Heat gently for approximately 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the wine. Pour in the red wine and reduce the heat to low.
- Gently warm. Allow the mixture to heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not allow the wine to boil, as boiling will cause alcohol and delicate flavors to evaporate.
- Taste and adjust. Add more sugar or honey if desired. For a richer version, stir in the optional brandy or orange liqueur.
- Serve. Remove the spice bag and ladle the warm Glühwein into heatproof mugs. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Tips for Making the Perfect Glühwein
Choose an affordable, drinkable wine. There’s no need to purchase an expensive bottle. A fruity, medium-bodied red wine works beautifully.
Never boil the wine. Gentle heating preserves the flavor and helps retain the traditional character of Glühwein.
Use whole spices. Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise create a cleaner, more balanced flavor than ground spices.
Make it ahead. Prepare your Glühwein earlier in the day and gently reheat it before guests arrive.
Recipe #2: Homemade Glühwein Mulling Spice Packets
A Wonderful Homemade Holiday Gift!
One of our favorite ways to share the traditions of Europe’s Christmas markets is by creating homemade mulling spice packets.
These fragrant little bundles are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and make thoughtful gifts for friends, neighbors, coworkers, and holiday party hosts.
Best of all, the same spice packets can be used to prepare traditional Glühwein or our non-alcoholic holiday spiced tea.
Ingredients for One Spice Packet
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 4 whole allspice berries
- Optional: 2–3 dried orange slices
Supplies
- Small food-safe muslin drawstring bags or fillable paper tea filters suitable for simmering
- Ribbon or decorative twine
- Gift tags
- Small printed recipe cards
Instructions
- Gather all the whole spices and divide them into individual portions.
- Place one portion of spices into each muslin bag or tea filter.
- Secure the bag tightly to prevent the spices from escaping during heating.
- If including dried orange slices, make sure they are completely dehydrated before packaging.
- Attach a decorative gift tag and a small recipe card with instructions for making Glühwein or hot spiced tea.
- Store the finished spice packets in an airtight container in a cool, dry location until ready to gift.
Important: Use only food-safe bags intended for hot liquid. Remove decorative ribbons and gift tags before simmering. If your gift includes dried citrus, make sure it is thoroughly dried to prevent spoilage.
How to Package Your Mulling Spices for Gifting
For a charming Christmas market-inspired gift, place two or three spice packets inside a small glass jar, festive tin, or decorative gift bag.
Add a handwritten tag that reads:
“A Little Taste of Europe’s Christmas Markets”
Add this fragrant spice blend to your favorite red wine or hot tea, and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season!
For an extra-special presentation, pair your spice packets with a holiday mug, a bottle of red wine, or a selection of specialty teas.
These gifts are also wonderful additions to Christmas gift baskets and hostess gifts.
Recipe #3 Cranberry Orange Fizz Mocktail: A Festive Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drink
Looking for a beautiful, refreshing holiday drink that everyone can enjoy? Our Cranberry Orange Fizz Mocktail is easy to make, full of festive flavor, and perfect for holiday entertaining!
The holiday season is all about gathering with friends and family, sharing delicious food, and celebrating special moments together. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, planning a holiday brunch, or welcoming guests for a cozy evening at home, having a festive non-alcoholic drink on the menu is always a wonderful idea.
Our Cranberry Orange Fizz Mocktail combines the tart flavor of cranberries, the sweetness of fresh orange juice, and the delightful sparkle of ginger ale. With its beautiful ruby-red color and seasonal garnishes, this refreshing drink looks just as festive as any holiday cocktail—without the alcohol!
Best of all, it takes just five minutes to prepare and can easily be made in a pitcher for a crowd.
Why We Love This Holiday Mocktail
There are plenty of reasons to add this colorful drink to your holiday entertaining menu.
- Completely non-alcoholic: A festive beverage for guests of all ages.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just five minutes with no special equipment required.
- Perfect for entertaining: Make a pitcher to serve at Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or New Year’s celebrations.
- Beautiful presentation: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary create a gorgeous holiday look.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness or substitute sparkling water for a lighter version.
And because it uses ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores, there’s no need to hunt for specialty mixers or complicated garnishes.
Recipe: Christmas Cranberry Orange Fizz Mocktail
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
- 1½ cups orange juice, chilled
- 3 cups ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 fresh orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Granulated sugar for frosted glass rims
- Frozen cranberries
- Fresh lime slices
- Additional orange wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Juices
In a large glass pitcher, combine the chilled cranberry juice, orange juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently until well blended.
Step 2: Add the Holiday Fruit
Add the fresh orange slices and cranberries to the pitcher. The colorful fruit adds a beautiful seasonal touch and makes the drink especially attractive when served in a clear pitcher.
Step 3: Add the Fizz
Just before serving, slowly pour in the chilled ginger ale. Stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation.
Step 4: Prepare the Glasses
Fill individual glasses with ice. For an extra-festive presentation, use stemless wine glasses, champagne flutes, or decorative holiday tumblers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pour the Cranberry Orange Fizz over the ice and garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig, several cranberries, and an orange slice.
Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly!
Whether you’re entertaining a houseful of guests or enjoying a quiet evening with a few close friends, these cocktails and mocktails are a simple way to add something special to your celebration.
At Tour Plan International, we believe that discovering new flavors and sharing favorite recipes is part of the joy of travel. From the festive Christmas markets of Europe to holiday celebrations around the world, food and beverages have a wonderful way of bringing people together.
Cheers to a wonderful holiday season filled with friendship, travel adventures, and special memories!
Happy Holidays from all of us at Tour Plan International!
