Glögg (Swedish Mulled Wine)
In short: Warm red wine steeped with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and orange peel, served in small cups with raisins and almonds in December. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 165 kcal
Glögg is Sweden's mulled wine, poured in small cups all through December at markets, offices and Christmas gatherings. Red wine is steeped with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and orange peel, sweetened, then warmed gently and served with raisins and blanched almonds in the cup. Eat the fruit and nuts with a small spoon, and keep gingersnaps or saffron buns nearby.
Instructions
- Pour the wine into a large non-reactive saucepan. Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger and orange peel.
- Warm over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the wine is steaming, about 10 minutes. Do not let it boil, or the alcohol cooks off and the spices turn bitter.
- Remove from the heat, cover and leave to steep for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge for a stronger flavor.
- Strain through a sieve into a clean pan. Reheat gently to serving temperature, around 70°C (160°F), and stir in the vodka, if using.
- Put a few raisins and almonds into each small heatproof cup and ladle in the hot glögg. Serve with a small spoon for the fruit and nuts.
Tips
- For an alcohol-free glögg, replace the wine with 750 ml of dark grape juice or a mix of blackcurrant and apple juice, cut the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a squeeze of lemon.
- The strained spiced base keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, so make it ahead and warm only as much as you need.
Questions and answers
Is glögg the same as mulled wine?
They are close relatives. Glögg is usually spiced more heavily with cardamom and ginger, is often strengthened with a spirit, and is served in small cups with raisins and almonds rather than in a large mug.
Can I make glögg without alcohol?
Yes. Use dark grape juice, or a blend of blackcurrant and apple juice, and warm it with the same spices. Many Swedish households serve an alcohol-free version alongside the wine one.
What do you serve with glögg?
Gingersnaps (pepparkakor), saffron buns (lussekatter) and cinnamon buns are the usual companions. A spoonful of raisins and almonds goes in each cup.
How long does it take to make Glögg (Swedish Mulled Wine)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Glögg (Swedish Mulled Wine)?
About 165 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 165 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
