Glühwein is synonymous with Christmas in Europe where its beautiful warm flavours of spice help to thaw the winter’s ice and snow and complete the romantic picture of Christmas festivities in front of a roaring fireplace.

Although we love the romance of a European winter and would love to make it part of our South African celebrations, it is plainly too hot during an average December to enjoy a glass of warm Glühwein as it is conventionally served.

While being one of our popular wine cocktails served over weekends on our stretched out stoep, we are now doing a cooler version of this traditional drink for the summer months and especially the festive season.

Whether you prepare it at home or are joining us at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, enjoy the season’s romance of a spicy glass of  Glühwein served over crushed ice for a refreshing twist.

Claudine and Peta preparing Glühwein on ice.

Recipe

Ingredients

750 ml Leopard’s Leap Lookout Red (available from most retail outlets countrywide)

75 ml of sugar

50 ml of lemon juice

150 ml of orange juice

Cinnamon stick

6 – 8 cloves

Garnish

Cinnamon sugar on the rim of the glass.

Method

Mix all the ingredients in a small saucepan until just before boiling point.

Strain into a clean bowl.

Leave to cool to room temperature and then put in the refrigerator to cool right down.

Server very well chilled on crushed ice.

Merry Christmas!