It is that time of year again when cold weather, snow, jingle bells, and holidays bring smiles to your face and joy to your heart. Yes! People worldwide engage themselves in the festive spirit of Christmas while looking towards bidding adieu to the old year and welcoming the new year. Let’s face it, the festive spirit is incomplete without a table full of delectable food and beverages, right?
It is quite interesting to see how various cultures celebrate this particular festive season, especially, in terms of variety of food and beverages. In this blog, I am going to talk about why you should try glue wine (Glühwein in German) this winter season.
What is glue wine (Glühwein)?
Glue wine, one of the best Christmas drinks, comes under the broader category of mulled wine made of red wine and spices. What makes this alcoholic beverage extra special is that it contains flavours of spices like cinnamon, clove, star anise, vanilla, and orange juice and is served hot! Since this winter drink is directly associated with December celebrations, it is also referred to as “Christmas in a cup”.
Glue wine is so popular worldwide that different cultures have given it a twist of flavour and have made it their own. For example, the Germans call it Glühwein, British people call it mulled wine, Scandinavian people call it Glögg and so on. Although the names might differ, the idea remains the same, which is to feel warm, cosy and comfortable in extremely cold weather. The glue wine or Glühwein Christmas drink pairs really well with hearty stews, roasted meats and vegetables.
History of glue wine
Popularly known as mulled wine or Glühwein, the warm alcoholic drink has been a significant part of Christmas celebration for centuries. In ancient Rome, people used to heat wines in order to get comfort from extremely dark and chilly weather. They used hot irons to heat their wines, and therefore, from the term “glow”, the name glue wine originated. Not only did that heated wine provide comfort, but also protected from flu and cold. Since then, the mulling wine practice has spread across Europe and subsequently, the whole world.
Wondering where to get glue wine in Kortrijk? explore our Cocktail Bar Menu to discover more festive and classic drinks. This year, glue wine will be a Christmas special drink at this cosy, high-end cocktail bar.
Why you should try Glue wine this winter?
Glue wine is aromatic and festive
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and star anise make this wine cocktail extremely aromatic. The aroma aligns pretty well with the magic of winter and festive season. You can have a glass or multiple glasses of this delicious concoction with your friends or just by yourself and feel the festive vibes all around you. Since it is the holiday season, there is no rush as well as no limit to being in your chilled, snuggly mood. If you’re looking for other drink options to match your mood, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Cocktail for Your Mood.
Get that warm, comforting and cheerful feeling
When it is chilly outside, and you are looking for warmth and comfort, sip on a mug of glue wine. The hot wine flavoured with spices will offer you blanket-like cosiness in a mug. This wine preparation is extremely popular in the Christmas markets of Europe making it a must-try item this winter for you if you have not tasted it yet. And, if you have tasted it earlier, who said you can’t experience a warm, comforting and cheerful drink more than once?
Glue wine boosts winter vibes
While snow is falling outside, there is something about staying indoors and having small sips of hot spiced wine. The most interesting thing about glue wine is that it is easily customisable. If you prefer your glue wine to have more flavours, you can customise it with citrus, orange peel, a shot of amaretto or brandy, the options are limitless. If you prefer your glue wine in non-alcoholic form, you can get a similar kick with grape or apple juice.
Healthier choice
I understand that during the festive season, nobody cares about healthier choices. But, still, with glue wine, you can have that option. The spices used in its preparation are great in terms of eliminating cold and flu like illnesses. In addition, we all are aware of the fact how red wine in moderation contributes to keeping your heart healthy. Finally, having glue wine on a cold winter evening will help your mind to relax while putting your heart in full on holiday mode. This way, you can be prepared for the upcoming challenges (if there are any!) that the new year holds.
Conclusion
So, call it glue wine or mulled wine or whatever you like, this year, do not miss out on this amazing traditional wine cocktail. Mark my words, after having a single serving of this drink, you will definitely get a boost on your festive spirits. Let me know in the comments below about what glue wine is called in your culture and how you prefer your glue wine to be prepared. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance! Cheers!
