A Drink to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart


One of my favorite treats to take part in during yuletide is glögg. Glögg is a Scandinavian mulled wine drink that is sweet, aromatic, and oh-so cozy. I was first introduced to it by my Swedish choir director when I was in middle school and it has become synonymous with Christmas. I offered to bring a drink to share at my in-laws celebration, and I think that Christmas day is the perfect time to introduce my {Mexican} in-laws to the delicious drink. I have a recipe from the American Swedish Institute that I have been waiting for an excuse to try. The recipe below is for an alcoholic version, but if you wish not to imbibe, check out this white glögg recipe from Scandinavian Today, or pick up a non-alcoholic concentrate like this. Ikea also sells a non-alcoholic, non-concentrated bottle from September through the holidays.

Bruce's Best Glögg

Ingredients
  • 1.5 liter bottle Merlot or Cabernet
  • 750 ml bottle Tawny Port
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 24 whole cloves
  • 18 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 piece crystallized or fresh ginger
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2-3 anise stars
  • 1 peel of whole orange
  • 1 cup orange flavored vodka
Cooking Directions
  1. Use the cheapest wines possible, as the spices will overwhelm any flavors. Warm the wines with other ingredients except vodka. Place cloves, cardamom pods, ginger, and anise in a cheesecloth bag. (I use a nutmilk bag). Warm until near boiling. Remove the spices and orange peel, not the raisins. Add the vodka. Serve immediately or bottle and serve another day.
Now, if only I could serve my glögg in this Sagaform wine warmer! It would make quite the complete presentation. Oh, well. Maybe next year. It is absolutely going on my wish list!

God Jul!
Emily
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