How to Make Glögg - A Swedish Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Swedish glögg made of? ›

Glögg Ingredients

Alcohol: This big batch Swedish glögg recipe is quite boozy. It calls for a combination of port wine (don't throw away the bottles!), bourbon whiskey, and white rum. Spices: The glögg gets its warm and cozy flavor from cloves, a cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods.

What is the difference between glögg and glühwein? Glögg is a popular winter drink in the Nordic countries, while glühwein is enjoyed in German-speaking countries. What connects these two drinks? Glögg is an essential part of the winter season in Sweden as well as the other Nordic countries.

Gløgg is made with warmed red wine (or mead) mixed with brandy, dried fruit and spices. Just add this concentrate to a bottle of red wine, cider or mead and serve warm.

Combine 1 bottle red wine, 1 1/2 cups bourbon or vodka (if using), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons orange zest, 2 tablespoons raisins, 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods, 2 tablespoons sliced ginger root, 1 stick cinnamon stick, and 8 whole cloves into a 2- to 3-quart pot. Heat to 175 F (77 C) and let simmer for 2 minutes.

The taste of glögg decreases with age, but if it has passed it's best before date but you find that it still taste up to standard, then, by all means, enjoy! The product keeps well if stored unopened in a dark and cool place that maintains an even temperature.

glogg • \GLUG\ • noun. : a hot spiced wine and liquor punch served in Scandinavian countries as a Christmas drink.

A dry red wine is best since glögg is sweetened with sugar and sometimes blended with port, a dessert wine, which, aside from sweetness, adds depth. I love the richness that the port contributes and prefer ruby (which has a fruity flavor) to tawny (which is nuttier).

Glogg allows for more control: it tastes deeply and darkly of wine and citrus and spice, and you may add, or entirely omit, sugar (or liquor). It brings a rosy flush to all who drink it — good cheer in a cup, accompanied, ideally, by the thinnest, crispiest, spiciest gingersnaps.

Refrigeration is not required, even after opening, and it will last until you savor the very last sip.

“Glögg is traditionally served at the start of a party—the idea is to welcome, warm and loosen guests up—served warm (HETTA, a Swedish word, means “to apply heat”) with 21.9% alcohol it really does the trick.

What would you be drinking if you had Glühwein? ›

The word “Glühwein” roughly translates to “glow wine.” A traditional Glühwein typically includes a variety of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and star anise. This German mulled wine also features citrus, vanilla, and sugar. It is most often made with red wine, although you can use white wine if you prefer.

Want to whip up some Glögg? For those looking to sample the Swedish take on mulled wine, traditional Scandinavian fare like pickled fish and crackers, saffron buns or ginger biscuits are a great choice.

You might be tempted to pronounce glögg like you would clog ― the association makes sense considering the fact that it's Swedish. But glögg is actually pronounced like glug, producing an auditory sound similar to the experience of taking one of these drinks down.

Commercially bottled glogg has an impressively long shelf life: most brands last up to a year, and some may last even longer. Freshly mulled glogg isn't that sturdy. It's best consumed the same day it was made, but if you have leftovers, it can last up to 5 days (but is best consumed within the first 3).

The most common spices in glögg are cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Other common ingredients can include citrus peel from oranges or lemons, raisins, or almonds. Glögg can also be made without alcohol by replacing the wine with fruit or berry juices.

The main Swedish specialty is brännvin (literally "burn-wine"), liquor distilled from fermented grain or potatoes. Vodka is the highest grade of brännvin, with brands like Absolut Vodka and Explorer Vodka.