German Mulled Wine

(Source: 699pic.com)

Mulled wine is the main drink at the markets. It's so popular that many of the markets have special decorated cups for the wine. You pay a deposit for them and get it back when you return them or just keep the cup as a souvenir of your visit.

Glühwein at the Christmas markets

Glühwein, as mulled wine is known in Germany, is essentially red wine heated with spices, lemon and sugar - generally cinnamon and cloves are used in all recipes, with some adding aniseed or vanilla.

A variation on the mulled wine is the Feuerzangenbowle. This is Glühwein but with the addition of sugar caramelised by burning rum.

For those who are not so keen on alcohol, it is common to see hot fruit punches and non-alcoholic herbal teas also being offered.

(Source: 699pic.com)

(Source: 699pic.com)