Hi, I’m Karin, the owner of Glüh-Brew, and this is the Glüh-Brew story…
After first tasting Glühwein (mulled wine) at a Christmas market in Hamburg, the thought of it called to me every winter. The warm wine with citrus, spice and sweetness was like a big, cosy cuddle on a winter’s evening.
But at home, in Katoomba, Australia, my search for delicious Glühwein was disappointing and frustrating. Cheap, imported pre-made bottles, once opened, had to be consumed quickly or they’d oxidise, and I could never finish one on my own. But then I didn’t actually care, because they had a strange aftertaste and I didn’t really want to finish them anyway. In venues it was either too bitter or too sweet, too much citrus, not enough spice and often, again, that strange aftertaste.
I got sick of being disappointed with the available products, so the only other option was to make it myself. But what a hassle for a single serve, and making a whole bottle was too much. So, what to do? Glüh-Brew syrup was the answer.
In the beginning, I made it just for my own consumption, so that I could have mulled wine whenever I felt like it, without having to wait for it to infuse, and only one mug if that was all I wanted. And even better, I could use any red wine I had on the go – no special trips to the bottle shop required. Perfect!
After serving it to friends at dinner parties, they often commented on what a good idea the syrup was, and that it might be successful commercially. I would usually laugh it off as a fantasy, but then one day in 2018 I decided to give it a crack.
Initially I started selling Glüh-Brew at farmer’s markets and later through Leura Cellars. The team at that wonderful local liquor store have been a great support, and key in the growth of my market reach. Leura Cellars believed in the quality of my products, and I can’t thank them enough for that.
Now, with Glüh-Brew on the way and requiring a lot of Aussie citrus rinds for production, I soon found myself with large amounts of leftover citrus juice. I was drinking it, giving it to my Mum and friends, trying to use it up wherever I could. But there was just so much of it! I had to find another use for all that delicious juice because, sure as anything, I wasn’t going to waste it!
And so my Sangria Syrup was born. Made with citrus and apple juices, sugar and spices, this delicious syrup can turn any red, white or sparkling wine into a refreshing, tasty drink that pretty much pairs with any food and is especially great for sharing with friends at a party or barbie. It even works with de-alcoholised wine or simply as a cordial. Just like Glüh-Brew syrup, you can make just one glass of your drink, or supply a crowd.
With sales ever increasing, I simply couldn’t keep up using just my two big pots and one little kitchen. Unable to find a commercial kitchen in the Mountains I looked further afield, and now this proud Blue Mountains business has a Marrickville connection too, which means more Glüh-Brew syrups for everyone! Glüh-Brew’s two main products are now available for purchase through this website, and I’m always keeping my mind open for more great ideas to add to the Glüh-Brew range. Watch this space!