Kinderglühwein – German mulled wine for kids
It is impossible to imagine a German Christmas market without Glühwein, or German mulled wine. However, while tea is an unusual ingredient for Glühwein – until we tweaked it Tea with Mum style – it is a vital ingredient in Kinderglühwein or children’s Glühwein. And it is just as easy to make.
Why are we posting again today?
Normally, Tea with Mum does not post on Thursdays. However, after posting our recipe for Glühwein with tea yesterday, I realised that we really should be fair to all the families out there, who, like us, have kids that should not be drinking Glühwein but still want something special for the holidays. Besides, it goes well with our Spritzgebäck, cinnamon stars and terrace biscuits.
Why shouldn’t kids drink Glühwein?
As the name suggests, in Glühwein, or mulled wine, wine is the main ingredient. Generally, kids and Glühwein – or any alcohol – do not mix. Although the name might suggest otherwise (Wein is wine in German), Kinderglühwein does not contain any alcohol. This makes it perfect for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding or trying to stay off alcohol. It’s vegan and easy to make, too!
When it’s cold or even snowing, Glühwein is the perfect drink at a Christmas market. It warms you inside and out and is especially good for cold hands. Why should children miss out on the fun?
Over the years, kid-friendly Glühwein has become common at Christmas markets. In our area, it is also often called Kinderpunsch (kids’ punch). At some markets, you might also find mulled apple juice, though this may also contain alcohol.
How to make Kinderglühwein
The spices used in Kinderglühwein and the instructions for making it are very similar to normal Glühwein. However, one thing that you do have to be very aware of is the temperature. Kinderglühwein should be much cooler than normal Glühwein because kids just can’t drink it hot.
Be careful not to overheat the Kinderglühwein and do NOT bring it to the boil as the juice may not respond well. You may also need to let it cool before giving it to a child, though this is quicker if you pour it into a mug or cup first.
Try Kinderglühwein as your alcohol-free and kid-friendly alternative
Easy to make, alcohol-free and a great Winter warmer: make some Kinderglühwein as your kid and pregnancy-friendly Christmas alternative this Christmas.
While tea is an unusual ingredient to add to Glühwine, this kids version relies heavily on the tea used to make it.
Ingredients
- 1 L red fruit tea
- 250 mL apple juice
- 250 mL orange juice
- 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 vanilla pod, split
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Make the tea and allow to cool.
- Juice the lemon and remove a large slice of the rind. Add to the tea.
- Add the remaining ingredients and warm over low heat until it starts to steam. Do not bring to the boil!
- Serve warm at the temperature suitable for your little ones.
Notes
Obviously, the most important ingredient in this recipe is the tea. The tea should be a red fruit tea, but the exact composition depends on what is available. If possible, avoid one that uses herbs as a base as these can affect the taste – and not in a good way. Ideally, the litre of tea should be quite red in colour, so that the end product looks like mulled red wine.
Both juices should be 100% juice and not a juice drink with added sugar.
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