If you’ve ever wandered through a Christmas market in Europe, chances are you’ve caught the comforting scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. But it’s not just the adults who get to enjoy a festive warm drink—kids love joining in the tradition too. That’s where Kinderwein, or “children’s wine,” comes in.
This recipe is a non-alcoholic twist on traditional mulled wine. Instead of red wine, we use unsweetened apple juice, making it a perfect winter treat for all ages. It’s warming, spiced, and sweet—and honestly, it tastes like a hot slice of liquid apple pie. You can even swap the apple juice for unsweetened orange juice if you’re after a more tart, citrusy version.
Just like our mulled wine recipe, this one uses Red Elk’s Glühwein Syrup, so you get all the beautiful spices and depth—without having to raid your spice rack or simmer a pot for hours. It’s quick, simple, and endlessly comforting.
Kinderwein (Hot Spiced Apple) Recipe
The Ratio
This recipe follows a simple, flexible ratio:
- 1 part Red Elk Glühwein Mulled Wine Syrup
- 4 parts unsweetened apple juice
- 1 part water
For example, to make a 300ml serve, use:
• 50ml Red Elk Glühwein Mulled Wine Syrup
• 200ml unsweetened apple juice
• 50ml water
Method
- Mix your syrup, apple juice, and water in a heatproof jug or saucepan.
- Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches about 65–70ºC – hot enough to be comforting, but not boiling.
- Pre-warm your mugs with a bit of hot water and tip out just before serving (optional, but helps the drink stay warm longer).
- Pour into your favourite mug or glass tumbler.
- If you like, garnish with sliced apple, a cinnamon stick, or a curl of orange peel for a festive touch.
Extra Tips
- Make ahead in a jug and store in the fridge. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.
- We recommend using shelf-stable, reconstituted unsweetened apple juice over chilled or fresh juice, which can be overly sweet and throw off the flavour balance.
- Try swapping apple juice for unsweetened orange juice for a more citrusy version.
Shop the Star Ingredient
Hot Spiced Apple is a beautiful way to bring everyone together during the colder months. Whether you’re gathered around a fire or winding down after a long day, this one’s a hug in a mug.