Ready for some seasonal sips? You can get your glühwein at this Rockford restaurant

You Gotta Try This | Glühwein at Magpie in Rockford

You Gotta Try This is the Rock River Current’s dining feature focused on signature dishes at your favorite local restaurants. Want to see one of your favorites here? Email news@rockrivercurrent.com to suggest a local staple. 

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Are you ready for a taste of the holiday season?

Magpie, 126 N. Madison St., has rolled out one of its seasonal favorites this month. Glühwein, which translates to glow wine, is a German winter drink that can warm you up on a cold day.

“It makes you feel warm and cozy inside, which is kind of the gist of our whole restaurant,” said Stephanie Caltagerone, the restaurant’s owner. “When I started I wanted to make tasty food that made people feel all happy inside.”

Magpie is mostly known as a breakfast and brunch spot, but it also serves dinner Thursday through Saturday and has a full bar at the lower level.

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Here’s the breakdown on getting your glühwein:

What’s in it? It starts with a red-wine base that’s simmered with citrus fruit. There’s also black pepper, nutmeg, star anise, cloves and a simple syrup that’s finished with a dash of brandy.

Why you should try it: Glühwein is a classic holiday drink that was traditionally served at Christmas markets across Germany and Austria to keep people warm as they shop.

“It’s a traditional German winter drink, but this is much less sticky and sweet than what you get out of a bottle at a festival,” Caltagerone said.

She said it will be the perfect drink this weekend for the restaurant’s Astronomy on Tap event, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday outside the restaurant.

Pair it with: The drink goes nicely with Magpie’s spice cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, which is part of its fall to Thanksgiving menu.

Where: Magpie, 126 N. Madison St., Rockford

Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

Online: facebook.com/magpie.rkfd

Contact: 815-977-5761; info@magpierockford.com

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas