It’s kind of beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We just received our first coat of snow, the temperature has been steady around 0℃, and shops are fully decked out in the latest Christmas lighting and display trends. But perhaps the most telling sign of all is the bustling Christmas Market. No snow necessary to explore this winter wonderland, but the fresh coat certainly enhances the experience.
If you are unfamiliar with Christmas Markets, especially the ones here in Europe, let me tell you something. Kids, adults, and businesses alike go all out! Restaurant and storefront facades are transformed into mini, adult-friendly winter wonderlands. No chairs, just mulch, timber, tables, and bars overflowing with hearty, festive food and drinks that send warmth spiraling down your body.
Kids are free to skate on the freshly constructed ice rink, take a little train ride, or of course hit the good old-fashioned carousel for a whirl. They even have a few performances lined up that are fun for the whole family.
You’ll find plenty of small gifts and trinkets to take home to your loved ones. The huts and booths feature handcrafted socks, scarves, hats, leather bags, small souvenirs, and a wide selection of tasty treats from assorted chocolates to fresh cheese and salami… treats that go well with a little wine, right?
The wine of choice during this time, Glühwein, is a warm, mulled wine that most of the bars in the area boast. Other popular drinks include Glühmost, rum punch, hot chocolate (with a little rum of course), and the local beer, Mohren. Mohren has become a favorite of mine over the last few years, and I am working on finding a way to bring it to you so be on the lookout! However, the spotlight here is on the Glühwein. And guess what? I’m going to let you in on one of the local recipes! Your family and friends will love the extra hint of outside culture this Austrian favorite will add to your holiday festivities.
Glühwein Recipe
(4 people)
Ingredients
- 2 bottles of wine, (suggested: Pinot Noir)
- 1 Orange
- 4 – 6 tablespoons of cinnamon, or 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 – 6 tablespoons of sugar
Directions
Pour the bottles of wine into a large saucepan and heat on the stove at medium level. Make sure the wine never cooks! Cut the oranges into quarters. Squeeze the juice from each quarter into the pot, then drop the slice in to continue heating with the wine. Add cinnamon in the form of sticks or powder. Stir and taste til you get the desired flavor. Add brown or white sugar, depending on preference. Use the same process as the cinnamon, adding, stirring, and tasting until the you arrive at your desired sweetness level.
HINT – If it still tastes too much like wine, you haven’t added enough sugar.
After reaching the desired sweetness level take off the heat and let sit for an hour. Simply reheat when you are finally ready to serve. Make sure it never comes to a boil. If you don’t want to wait an hour, once heated, turn the stove to a low setting, stirring and tasting occasionally for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
Toast with a “Zum Wohle” (zoom-voll-eh) (Deutsch Vorarlberg Dialect), and remember to look into the eyes of the person you are clinging with.
I made this festive drink for my family after my first year living in Austria. It has become a nice complement to a fireside viewing of our favorite Christmas movies! Personally, Christmas Vacation is cemented in the #1 spot, followed by “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and then “Love Actually.” The beautiful story of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is probably 3b. Think you have a better top three? Let me know, it’s always an open topic for discussion.
I hope you enjoyed your stroll through the Dornbirn Christmas Market! Not-so-coincidentally, I’m headed there now. Enjoy the recipe! Let me know how it turns out and what movie you picked to go with it.
Tschüss und Frohe Weihnachten! Remember the reason for the season.
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