Glögg

Glögg is a traditional Nordic winter drink, a cherished variation of mulled wine. It is typically made with red wine, an assortment of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and is often fortified with spirits such as brandy or aquavit. Served warm, it is a festive and comforting beverage, especially popular around Christmas time. Traditionally, raisins and blanched almonds are added to each cup before serving, adding texture and sweetness.
Glögg

Preparation

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Glögg is categorized as a traditional hot beverage, a classic example of mulled wine. It's a festive drink deeply rooted in the winter and holiday traditions of the Nordic countries, served warm to combat the cold.

Serving

Serve Glögg hot, not boiling, in small heatproof mugs or glasses to keep hands warm. Its alcohol content is similar to a strong wine, providing a pleasant, warming effect.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug or heatproof glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The practice of heating and spicing wine dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, as a way to salvage wine and for its perceived medicinal properties. The specific version known as Glögg became popular in Sweden around the 1600s. The name itself comes from the Swedish verb "glödga," which means "to mull" or "to heat," referencing the preparation method where a sugarloaf was once drenched in spirits and lit on fire above the wine.
Origin
Glögg originates from the Nordic countries, with Sweden being most famously associated with its modern form. While spiced wine has a long history, the version we know today, including the practice of adding raisins and almonds, was popularized in the late 19th century.

Glögg

The name "Glögg" is Swedish in origin, derived from the word "glödga," meaning "to heat." Outside of the Nordic countries, it is often referred to simply as Nordic or Swedish Mulled Wine, distinguishing it from other regional variations of the heated, spiced wine tradition.
Original name
Glögg
Alternative names
  • Nordic Mulled Wine
  • Swedish Mulled Wine

Characteristics overview

Glögg has a rich, deep red color and a powerfully aromatic nose of classic winter spices and citrus. The flavor is a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice with a warming, smooth texture perfect for a cold day.
Flavor
Spiced, Sweet, Fruity, Warming, Rich
Aroma
Aromatic, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Orange peel
Taste balance
Sweet, Spicy, Slightly acidic
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep red, Ruby, Opaque
Texture
Smooth, Syrupy, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Warming, Wintery, Festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sweetness and a complex array of warming spices, supported by the fruity notes of the red wine. The alcohol provides warmth rather than a sharp bite, resulting in a robust but balanced drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The base for Glögg is a full-bodied red wine, sweetened with sugar and infused with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. It is often fortified with a spirit like brandy for extra warmth and flavor.
  • Full-bodied red wine750 ml / 25.4 oz
    Use a wine you would enjoy drinking on its own, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
  • Brandy120 ml / 4 oz(optional)
    Optional, for fortification. Aquavit, vodka, or dark rum can also be used.
  • Granulated sugar100 g / 0.5 cup
    Adjust to taste. Brown sugar or honey can be substituted.
  • Cinnamon sticks2 sticks
  • Whole cloves10 cloves
  • Cardamom pods5 pods
    Lightly crush before adding to release more flavor.
  • Orange peelPeel from 1 orange
    Use a vegetable peeler to get wide strips with minimal white pith.
  • Raisins50 g / 1/4 cup
    For serving. Golden raisins or dark raisins work well.
  • Blanched almonds50 g / 1/4 cup
    For serving. Slivers or whole almonds can be used.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

Making Glögg requires basic kitchen equipment: a large pot for simmering, a strainer to ensure a smooth final product, and a ladle for easy serving.
  • Large saucepan or pot for heating the ingredients.
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for removing spices.
  • Ladle for serving.

Instructions

The process involves gently simmering red wine with sugar and spices to allow the flavors to meld, being careful not to boil it. After infusing, the liquid is strained and served hot over raisins and almonds.
1. Combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, and orange peel in a large saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Do not allow it to boil, as this will burn off the alcohol. Let it infuse for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor.
4. If using, stir in the brandy or other spirit during the last 5 minutes of heating.
5. Strain the Glögg through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the solid spices and orange peel.
6. For serving, place a teaspoon of raisins and blanched almonds into each heatproof mug.
7. Ladle the hot Glögg over the garnishes and serve immediately with a small spoon.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish for Glögg is a spoonful of raisins and blanched almonds, which are placed in the mug before serving and eaten with a spoon.
  • Raisins and blanched almonds: Add a small spoonful of each to the bottom of the mug before pouring the Glögg.

Dietary Information

This beverage is typically dairy-free and gluten-free, but it is not nut-free due to the traditional blanched almond garnish. For a vegan version, ensure the wine used is certified vegan.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A serving of Glögg is a moderately caloric and sugary treat, with most of its carbohydrates coming from the wine and added sugar. It is a festive indulgence best enjoyed in moderation during the holiday season.
Calories
Averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Glögg is the quintessential drink for cold weather and festive occasions. It is most popular during the Christmas season in Nordic countries, served at holiday parties, Christmas markets, and cozy family gatherings.
  • Christmas
  • Winter holidays
  • Cold evenings
  • Festive gatherings

Pairing suggestions

Glögg pairs exceptionally well with traditional Scandinavian holiday treats like spicy gingerbread cookies and sweet saffron buns. Its sweet and rich profile also complements the salty, sharp taste of blue cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Gingerbread cookies (Pepparkakor)
  • Saffron buns (Lussekatter)
  • Blue cheese
  • Shortbread

Glögg: A Taste of Nordic Winter Warmth

Glögg is a heartwarming and aromatic spiced red wine beverage, central to Nordic winter and Christmas traditions. It's prepared by gently simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon and cloves, often fortified with brandy. Served hot with raisins and almonds, it is the perfect drink for festive gatherings and for cozying up on a cold night. Its rich, sweet, and spicy character makes it a beloved seasonal classic that is both a drink and a dessert.

Similar drinks

Mulled Wine

A broader category of which Glögg is a part. Recipes vary widely by region, often with different spice profiles.

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