This festive season, Dina Weber of Mysore’s SAPA Bakery shares her family recipe for mulled wine.

Mulled wine is a classic recipe at all the Christmas markets in Germany. There are obviously slight variations, but typically, it is a slightly sweetened and spiced warm wine that we drink in generous quantities from noon onwards. Drinking is woven into the rhythm of the season; in city centres, you might pause on your way after work or while shopping, stop by a stall, and share a few mugs with friends.

There are some versions that are fortified with schnapps or brandy, which are quite intense. And obviously, it is especially nice during cold weather because the drink warms you from the inside out. In my city, glühwein is made with vanilla, cream, cherries and almonds. It is quite unique, I haven’t come across it anywhere else. When we were children, my mother would make us an alcohol-free punch instead, which is also really lovely and festive, and includes the children in the celebrations.