Easy Swedish Glogg

Use high-quality red wine for the best flavor.

Try different combinations of spices for different variations.

Blanch almonds quickly in boiling water to remove the skins.

Make glogg a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve glogg in heatproof glasses or insulated mugs to keep it warm longer.

Adjust the level of sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or using flavored syrups.

Prepare a large batch for gatherings, as glogg is easy to scale up for a crowd.

What is glogg?

Glogg is a traditional Scandinavian mulled wine beverage made by combining red wine with a mix of spices, citrus, and often sweetened with sugar. It's typically served warm and is especially popular during winter and holiday seasons.

What type of red wine should I use for glogg?

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Burgundy, Merlot, or Zinfandel, works well. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be heightened in the finished drink.

Can I use white wine instead of red wine?

While traditional glogg is made with red wine, you can substitute it with white wine for a variation known as white glogg. Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and adjust the spices to complement the lighter flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of glogg?

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute 3 cups of concord grape juice for the wine. Add sugar as needed as grape juice is naturally sweet.

How can add more flavor to the glogg?

You can enhance the flavors by allowing the spices to steep longer before straining, adding additional ingredients like sliced apples or ginger, or using flavored syrups like vanilla or maple.

How long can I store leftover glogg?

Leftover glogg can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind the flavor may intensify or change over time.

Can glogg be reheated?

Yes, glogg can be gently reheated. Warm it on low heat to prevent any burning or boiling, which can alter the flavor. You can also reheat it in a crock pot.

Can I freeze glogg?

While glogg can be frozen, it's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze it, make sure it cools completely and is stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

How do you garnish the drink with almonds or raisins?

They can be added directly to the drink or served on the side to nibble on.

What if I can't find whole spices?

If whole spices are not available, you can use ground spices as substitutes, but reduce the quantity by about half, as ground spices can be stronger. Just remember that whole spices can infuse their flavors better during cooking and ground spices can't be strained out as well so the glogg may be grainy.

Can I add other fruits to glogg?

You can add other fruits like sliced apples, pears, or even other citrus slices to infuse additional flavors. Make sure to strain them out before serving.

Large Pot: A sturdy pot for combining the ingredients and simmering the mixture over medium heat. Choose a pot that can hold at least a few quarts to accommodate the volume of the drink.

Measuring Cups: Used to measure out the water or orange juice and sugar.

Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is required for straining the mixture after simmering to remove the solids like spices and orange rind. You can also line a strainer with cheesecloth, especially if you substitute ground spices for whole.

Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon for stirring the mixture while it simmers and for helping to dissolve the sugar.

Citrus Peeler: A peeler is recommended for removing the outer layer of the orange without including too much of the bitter white pith.

Serving Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the glogg after it is strained and heated.

Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of aged cheeses like Gouda or sharp cheddar. Their rich flavors can enhance the spiced notes of the glogg.

Spiced Nuts: Serving a bowl of spiced mixed nuts alongside the glogg will echo the warming spice profile of the drink.

Fruitcake: A slice of moist fruit cake will complement the fruity and spiced elements of the glogg. Plus, what are the holidays without a traditional fruitcake?

Warm Cinnamon Rolls: These soft, buttery delights resonate with the cinnamon and vanilla notes in the drink, creating a sweet and comforting pairing that warms the heart. These rolls are ready in 90 minutes, making them an easy last minute serving idea.

Roasted Chestnuts: The earthy, slightly sweet flavor of roasted chestnuts pairs beautifully with the wine and spice mix in the glogg.

Gingerbread Cookies: The molasses and spices in these soft gingerbread cookies nicely align with the flavor of the mulled wine.