Swedish Glögg (Spiced Mulled Wine) Recipe

Glögg is a traditional Swedish spiced mulled wine made with red wine, liquor, sugar, citrus and spices. The ingredients, except the liquor are simmered slowly over several hours. Near serving time, the liquor is added, and it may be garnished with almons, raisins and orange slices. It is served warm.

Typical glogg spices are cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger. Liquor choices include aquavit, rum or brandy. Aquavit is a Scandanavian spirit made from potato or grain ad flavored with herbs and spices.

Glögg variations are made using vanilla, white wine, various liqueurs such as elderberry or sweetened with honey instead of sugar. It is enjoyed in the winter especially during the holiday season.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The word ‘glögg’ comes from the old Nordic word glodga which means burn, heat or mull. The drink is believed to have originated around the 1600’s. It was used historically to flavor bad tasting wine and keep warm. Its popularity has spread to other nearby European countries who have added their own twists.

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Swedish Glögg Recipe

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Glögg is a traditional Swedish spiced mulled wine made with red wine, liquor, sugar, citrus and spices. The ingredients, except the liquor are simmered slowly over several hours.

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Ingredients

• Orange - 1
• Dry red wine - 1 bottle
• Brown sugar (firmly packed) - ⅓ cup
• Ginger (sliced into thin rounds) - 2-inch piece
• Cloves - 10 whole
• Cardamom pods (crushed) - 10 whole
• Cinnamon - 3 sticks
• Aquavit (rum, brandy or vodka can be used alternatively) - ½ cup
• Golden raisins - to serve
• Almonds (blanched) - to serve
• Clementine slices - to serve

Instructions

1. Remove the peel from the orange using a vegetable peeler and transfer the peel strips to a medium saucepan. 
2. Cut the orange in half and squeeze juice into the saucepan.
3. Add all remaining ingredients to the saucepan and heat until mixture just comes to a simmer. 
4. Cover and remove from heat.
5. Let steep for two to four hours at room temperature.
6. Strain into a clean container. The mixture can be prepared up to a week ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
7. When ready to serve, return the mixture to a saucepan. 
8. Add the aquavit and a handful of golden raisins if using.
9. Heat but do not boil (boiling will remove the alcohol).
10. Serve immediately garnished with raisins, blanched almonds and orange or clementine slices if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 22mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 4gSugar: 28gProtein: 2g

Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.