glögg | swedish mulled wine

contains alcohol, please drink responsibly

Glögg is a popular and cozy Christmas drink that has been enjoyed and loved in Sweden, dating all the way back to the 1890s.

This warm, mulled wine is a Swedish Christmas tradition that runs deep in the history of many Scandinavian families. Glögg is a part of the holiday landscape, as are cold winter nights, the glowing warmth from numerous candles around the house, and feeling the joy of ‘hygge’.

Glögg with its aromatic spices, and deep nostalgic flavor brings the holiday mood right back to nearly every Scandinavian. To be ‘hygge’ is a feeling of warmth, comfort, and contentment that can be experienced, especially when a loving cup of Christmas glögg is served.

ingredients

• 3 ½ sticks of cinnamon

• 8 cardamom pods

• 12 whole cloves

• 1 orange

• 1 lemon

• 1 lime

• ½ cup of sugar (or more to taste)

• 1 gallon of red wine (burgundy is recommended)

• ½ cup dark rum (any kind you like)

• ½ cup brandy (any kind you like)

• 1 teaspoon of raisins (per serving)

• 1 teaspoon of blanched almonds (per serving)

spice mix

Using cheesecloth and string or a pre-made cheesecloth bag, collect your spices for the glögg. Add  3 ½ sticks of cinnamon, 8 cardamom pods, and 12 whole cloves into your spice bag.

glögg

1. In a large pot, pour one gallon of red wine (preferably a burgundy).

2. Slice one orange, one lime, and one lemon into rounds and then squeeze their juice into the wine as you add the slices into wine. Add ½ cup of sugar or add additional sugar if you like it sweeter.

3. Next, add the cheesecloth bag with spices.

4. Stir lightly, then let these ingredients simmer on low for 1 hour.

5. After an hour, turn up to medium heat but do not let the mixture boil.

6. After 10 minutes of medium-heat simmering, turn off the heat.

7. Add to the glögg pot ½ cup of dark rum and ½ cup of brandy (whatever brands you like). Stir the alcohol lightly into the glögg.