The Scandinavian mulled wine, ‘julegløgg’ has longstanding traditions in Scandinavia. It’s made with red wine, aquavit and madeira, but this can easily be replaced with a blackcurrant cordial for a non alcohol option. It’s the spices which are important! The Swedish King Gustav Vasa had his own recipe in the 15th century, not too dissimilar from the one we will share with you.
The Scandinavian ‘Julegløgg’ is so easy to make, so there’s no reason to not make it yourself. Added bonus is also the beautiful scent of Christmas which will spread through your house, and welcome any guests arriving on your doorstep this dark month of December. You’ll get the best result if you start the day before.
Ingredients
1 bottle of red wine
100 g honey
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cardamom (whole)
2 tbsp ginger powder
8 cloves
peel from one orange
1 tbsp tried blueberries (optional)
nutmeg
black pepper
2 dl water
2 dl aquavit
2 dl madeira
raisins and almonds
Method
Add 2 dl water to a sauce pan, add honey, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, orange peel, dried blueberries, nutmeg and pepper and bring it to a boil for 10 minutes. Cool down, and allow to set in the fridge over night. Separate the liquid with a strainer and add red wine, aquavit and madeira, before reheating the ‘gløgg’. Do not bring it to a boil, only slowly simmer.
Serve with ‘gløgg mix’ (or separated if you prefer) which includes raisins and chopped sweet almonds.