When you travel to Europe in winter, chances are you’ll enjoy quite a few outings to the many Christmas markets that pop up around Christmas time. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in steaming cups of Glühwein! This hot, fragrant mulled wine is the unofficial festive drink of many European nations.
Your Guide to Christmas Glühwein
December is the time to indulge in Glühwein all across Europe! There are few drinks as satisfying or as warming on a winter day. If you plan to travel to destinations like Germany, Austria, France, or really any European city this winter, you will be sure to see plenty of stalls selling delicious Glühwein. Expat Explore is here to tell you what you need to know about this must-taste winter treat!
Related: Discover the 5 best things about Europe at Christmas time (Glühwein included).
It’s an age-old holiday tradition
Fun fact, Glühwein roughly translates to “glow-wine”. This term comes from the hot irons that were once used to mull the wine! It is most popular in German-speaking countries and in the Alsace region in France. However, this tasty beverage is becoming increasingly popular all over the world, especially in Europe where winters can get icy! Glühwein is traditionally popular around the Christmas holidays and dates back all the way to the 2nd century. The Romans were the first nation to heat and spice wine during their military march across Europe. In fact, they were so attached to their daily tipple that they brought along a bevy of winemakers and viticulturists to establish vineyards throughout their newly conquered territories!
Related: Pair your Glühwein with one of these top 10 Christmas treats!
You can compare & contrast regional variations
Glühwein is usually prepared from red wine, which is heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, sugar and vanilla pods.
However, there is also a variation of Glühwein that is made from white wine. When you travel through Europe on a multi-country tour during winter, you’ll be able to sample different variations of mulled wine in different countries! For example, in the Netherlands, Glühwein is called bisschopswijn (bishop’s wine) and contains oranges instead of lemons. Order Vin chaud (hot wine), a less sweet variety when in France. Bulgaria likes to add honey, peppercorns and apples and call it greyano vino (heated wine). While in Italy, ask for vin brulé (burnt wine). One of Expat Explore’s favourite versions is the German Feuerzangentasse (fire cup) which is served with a flaming cone of sugar on top!
Related: Looking for the best Christmas markets in Europe to explore the different flavours of Glühwein? We have you covered!
It has actual health benefits!
Did you know that there are plenty of great health benefits that go along with a freshly brewed batch of Glühwein? That’s right, it’s not just a festive novelty for the fireside in the lead-up to Christmas. Red wine is a great source of antioxidants. Which increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease-associated clogged arteries. Cinnamon boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties and nutmeg is a powerful tonic that rids the liver and kidneys of toxins. Now you can enjoy your Glühwein without the guilt!
Related: Treat the family to the world’s top Christmas attractions!
Expat Explore offers a wonderful selection of Christmas and New Year tours that amble through Europe’s most magical destinations over the winter holidays. So, get ready to discover charming Christmas markets, taste warming Glühwein and make memories to last a lifetime!