Glühbier (Gluehbier) is a festive hot mulled beer that's particularly popular in Germany. This warm spiced cocktail is a delightful alternative to traditional mulled wine, bringing together the comforting elements of beer with a tasty blend of aromatic spices.
I first had Glühbier during a winter trip to Germany a few years ago. The Christmas markets were alive with the scent of mulled spices. I presumed it was mulled wine, but instead it was gluehbier! I tried this hot spiced beer drink, and it was love at first sip.
Since then, it's become a staple in my winter beverage repertoire, right up there with Baileys (aka Christmas milk), Glühwein, Mulled Gin Cocktail and Mulled Wine Spritzer.
It might seem odd at first to drink hot beer, but the rich flavors really work. I like to use a dark German beer or ale so the resulting drink has lots of flavor.
So here's a recipe that's not just a drink, it's a warm hug on a chilly winter's evening—Glühbier.
You could leave a glass out for Santa on Christmas eve along with a bag of Reindeer Food!
Imagine the rich, comforting taste of dark ale mingling with the sweet notes of cherry juice, a hint of citrusy zing, and the warm embrace of festive spices.
It's like a winter wonderland in a mug, and I'm here to guide you through crafting this delightful brew.
Serve up your gluehbier with some German holiday desserts, like Bethmaennchen (Marzipan Cookies) or Rumkugeln (Rum Balls)!
Or try it with a Nordic treat like Risengrod (Danish Rice Porridge).
Jump to:
What is Gluehbier?
Glühbier, sometimes spelled Gluehbier, is a festive hot mulled beer cocktail that originated in Germany. This warm and spiced beverage is a unique twist on the more familiar concept of mulled wine.
Typically prepared during the winter months, Glühbier features dark ale or beer combined with various festive ingredients such as cherry juice, spices, brown sugar or honey etc...
The mixture is gently heated, allowing the flavors to meld and create a comforting, aromatic drink that captures the essence of the holiday season.
The result is a cozy and flavorful brew that has become a beloved tradition in Germany, where it's a common sight at Christmas markets, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Beyond Germany, Glühbier has gained popularity in other European countries, especially those with strong beer and winter beverage traditions. Austria, Switzerland, and Nordic countries also embrace Glühbier during the colder months.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Winter Warmth: The first sip of Glühbier is like wrapping yourself in a blanket of warmth. It's the perfect antidote to frosty evenings, bringing instant comfort to your soul.
- Unique Flavor Fusion: Dark ale meets cherry juice, cinnamon, and star anise in a flavor symphony that's both unexpected and incredibly delicious. It's a taste adventure that your taste buds will thank you for.
- Easy Entertaining: Hosting a winter get-together? Glühbier is your secret weapon. Impress your guests with this unique, flavorful concoction that's a conversation starter in itself.
- Customizable Sweetness: The sweetness of Glühbier depends on your beer choice. Like it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer it less sweet? A touch more lemon juice does the trick. It's all about making it perfect for your palate.
- Versatile Ingredients: Beyond the basic recipe, Glühbier invites creativity. Feel free to tweak the ingredients and make it your own. Add a splash of rum for an extra kick or experiment with different fruit juices.
Ingredients
- Beer or Dark Ale: Choose a beer that suits your taste—whether it's a robust stout or a malty dark ale. The beer is the backbone of Glühbier, so pick something you enjoy.
- Cherry Juice: This adds a fruity sweetness to the mix. If cherry isn't your jam, orange or cranberry juice works beautifully, each bringing its unique flavor profile to the party.
- Cloves: These little spice powerhouses add warmth and depth to the brew. Be cautious with the quantity; cloves can be quite intense.
- Cinnamon Sticks: The quintessential winter spice, cinnamon adds a comforting aroma and a hint of sweetness.
- Star Anise: Introduce a subtle licorice note with star anise. It's the secret ingredient that elevates Gluehbier to the next level.
- Brown Sugar or Honey: Sweeten the deal with brown sugar or honey. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Lemon: Sliced lemon and a dash of lemon juice provide a citrusy balance, cutting through the richness of the beer.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding a velvety smoothness to the mix.
- Optional: Rum: For those seeking an extra layer of booziness, a splash of rum is the perfect addition. It turns Glühbier into a spirited treat.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add all ingredients to a large pot over a medium/low heat. Allow the glühbier to heat up just to simmering, but do not boil (or you'll boil away the alcohol!).
Turn the heat down to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
The beer you use will determine the sweetness of the finished gluhbeir. Taste it and if you like it sweeter then add more sugar, or less sweet add a little more lemon juice.
Strain or spoon out the spices. Serve warm.
Substitutions
- Cherry Juice: Orange or cranberry juice can replace cherry juice, offering different fruity undertones.
- Brown Sugar or Honey: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist, or use agave nectar for a vegan alternative.
Variations
- Citrus: Replace cherry juice with a citrus blend (orange and grapefruit), and add a generous splash of Grand Marnier for a zesty, boozy twist.
- Apple Cider: Substitute beer with hard apple cider, and replace cherry juice with pure apple cider. Enhance the spice with a dash of nutmeg for an apple pie in a mug.
- Gingerbread: Infuse the brew with the warm spices of gingerbread. Add ginger syrup, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of molasses for a festive treat.
- Berry: Mix things up by using a berry-flavored beer, like a blackberry stout. Pair it with mixed berry juice for a vibrant, fruity experience. Or add Blackberry Syrup as the sweetener. Cherry Syrup is great too.
Storage
Store: While Glühbier is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat gently on the stove, ensuring not to boil it, to retain the flavors.
Top tips
- Gentle Simmer: Maintain a low simmer when heating the Glühbier. Boiling can alter the flavor and, more importantly, affect the alcohol content.
- Taste and Adjust: The sweetness can be subjective. Taste the brew before serving and adjust the sugar or lemon juice accordingly. It's all about finding your perfect balance.
- Strain with Care: When removing the spices, do it with care. A fine-mesh strainer works well, or simply use a slotted spoon. You want to keep the liquid clear while bidding farewell to the spices.
- Experiment Freely: Gluehbier is forgiving. Feel free to experiment with proportions and ingredients. Make it your own by adding personal touches, and don't be afraid to get creative.
FAQ
While dark ale provides a richer flavor, a light beer can work if that's your preference. The result will be slightly different, but still delightful.
Absolutely! Prepare the base in advance and reheat it when needed. You can also gently heat it and keep it warm in a Crockpot / slow cooker.
Hot Christmas Drinks
- Mulled Wine: The classic, red wine-based counterpart to Glühbier, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
- Hot Buttered Rum: A toasty blend of dark rum, spices, and butter, creating a rich and comforting drink.
- Spiked Hot Chocolate: Upgrade your hot cocoa with a splash of your favorite spirit—peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, or even bourbon.
- Warm Apple Cider: Mulled with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of citrus, it's a non-alcoholic option that's equally delightful.
- Bailey's Hot Chocolate: Add a creamy, boozy twist to your hot cocoa.
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📖 Recipe
Glühbier Hot Mulled Beer (Gluehbier)
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ liters beer or dark ale 6 cups
- 500 ml cherry juice or orange juice or cranberry juice (2 cups)
- 5 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 ounces rum
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large pot over a medium/low heat.
- Allow the glühbier to heat up just to simmering, but do not boil (or you’ll boil away the alcohol!).
- Turn the heat down to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- The beer you use will determine the sweetness of the finished gluhbeir. Taste it and if you like it sweeter then add more sugar, or less sweet add a little more lemon juice.
- Strain or spoon out the spices. Serve warm.
Notes
- Gentle Simmer: Maintain a low simmer when heating the Glühbier. Boiling can alter the flavor and, more importantly, affect the alcohol content.
- Taste and Adjust: The sweetness can be subjective. Taste the brew before serving and adjust the sugar or lemon juice accordingly. It's all about finding your perfect balance.
- Strain with Care: When removing the spices, do it with care. A fine-mesh strainer works well, or simply use a slotted spoon. You want to keep the liquid clear while bidding farewell to the spices.
- Experiment Freely: Gluehbier is forgiving. Feel free to experiment with proportions and ingredients. Make it your own by adding personal touches, and don't be afraid to get creative.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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