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A hallmark of Europe's famed Christmas markets is the ubiquitous hot mulled wine known as glühwein, traditionally made with red wine combined with festive flavourings including cinnamon, cloves, citrus and sugar. Modern twists on the classic include glühwein mit Schuss (mulled wine with a shot), served spiked with a shot of something stronger, such as rum, amaretto or brandy, or weiss glühwein (white wine instead of red). A version made with fruit juice instead of wine, called kinderpunsch, makes for a wonderful nonalcoholic treat. The history of mulled wine can be traced back to 2nd-century Rome, when the beverage was heated using hot, flaming irons—believed to have contributed to the word glühwein, which literally translates to "glow wine." The Romans found that adding honey and spices to red wine that had begun to deteriorate helped it stay drinkable longer. As they travelled across the continent, they introduced glühwein throughout the area, where its popularity increased across the centuries. Today, a delightful aspect of glühwein is the long-standing tradition of serving it in a commemorative mug, which is unique to both the market and the year and makes for a wonderful keepsake. As you browse the stalls of the Christmas markets for handicrafts, treats and various local treasures, a mugful of this delicious spiced beverage is the perfect way to warm up while taking in the Christmas markets' yuletide atmosphere. GLÜHWEIN Around Christmastime, local markets in the main squares in nearly every European town offer glühwein (hot mulled wine) as a delicious antidote to the season's chill. PREP TIME: 2 minutes COOK TIME: 1 hour SERVINGS: 12 INGREDIENTS 3 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine (zinfandel, pinot or Burgundy) 1 cup sugar 12 whole cloves 2 pinches allspice 2 pinches mace 475ml brandy 945ml dry white wine 1 med orange, cut into wedges 1 med lemon, cut into wedges GARNISH 2 med oranges, sliced 12 cinnamon sticks DIRECTIONS Pour red wine into a 3-gallon pot (or larger) and heat gently; add sugar and spices, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add remaining ingredients and steep for 1 hour over low heat. To serve, remove fruit wedges and strain out cloves, garnishing with orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Food for thought: GLÜHWEIN Bring some Christmas warmth to your kitchen with our traditional mulled wine receipe this Christmas viking.com 29