What hot German New Year’s Eve punch is made with rum-soaked sugar lit above wine?

Feuerzangenbowle is the German New Year’s Eve punch made with rum-soaked sugar lit above wine.

The drink is prepared by heating mulled red wine, usually with spices and citrus, then placing a sugarloaf over the pot on a special metal support. The sugar is soaked with high-proof rum and ignited, allowing the caramelized sugar to drip into the wine.

Its name combines German words referring to fire tongs and punch. Feuerzangenbowle is especially associated with winter gatherings and New Year celebrations, where the flaming sugar creates a dramatic communal ritual.

It is often confused with Glühwein, Germany’s ordinary mulled wine. Glühwein is heated and spiced but does not require the flaming rum-soaked sugarloaf. Feuerzangenbowle also became strongly associated with the 1944 German comedy film of the same name, which helped reinforce its place in popular culture.