Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Vodka Cocktails

Glögg

By
Liquor.com
Liquor.com

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Updated 05/3/23
A dark-red Glögg cocktail in a stemless wine glass on a table with scattered almond slices and a bowl of dried fruit.

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

When the weather turns cold, warm things up with a good cocktail. Hot cocktails, like the Hot Toddy and Irish Coffee, have the versatility to fight the chill while also raising your spirits.

In Scandinavian countries, Glögg is the go-to hot drink for winter, especially around the holidays. This staple beverage is a type of mulled wine, that is spiced and sweetened wine served hot. But unlike most mulled wines, Glögg is known to include nuts and dried fruit. These additions provide hints of flavor but are also there for snacking, which is why Glögg is traditionally served with a spoon.

This Glögg comes from chef Marcus Jernmark, who helmed Michelin-starred restaurants Aquavit in New York and Frantzén in Stockholm. He combines red wine with ruby port for a rich, hearty base. Vodka boosts the drink’s potency, and a medley of fruits and spices, including figs, oranges, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and long pepper (a sweeter, more citrusy relative of black pepper used in Scandinavian cuisine) bring additional flavors.

Make a large batch for your next winter gathering, garnish each cup with raisins and almonds, and don’t forget the spoon.

Ingredients

  • 2 750 ml bottles red wine

  • 1 1/2 750 ml bottles ruby port

  • 1 cup vodka

  • 1 cup light brown sugar

  • 1/2 pound dried figs, sliced

  • 1/2 pound raisins

  • 2 oranges, peeled and juiced

  • 7 green cardamom pods

  • 5 whole cloves

  • 4 long peppers

  • 3 cinnamon sticks

  • 2 whole star anise pods

  • Garnish: raisins

  • Garnish: sliced blanched almonds

Steps

Serves about 16.

  1. Add the red wine, ruby port, vodka, brown sugar, dried figs, raisins, orange peels and juice, cardamom pods, whole cloves, long peppers, cinnamon sticks and star anise pods into a large saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Heat to a simmer, then remove from the heat and let stand for 2 hours.

  3. Strain, discard the solids, and reheat to serving temperature.

  4. Serve in glass mugs.

  5. Garnish each mug with raisins and sliced blanched almonds.

What Is the Difference Between Glögg and Mulled Wine?

Glögg is a type of mulled wine featuring Scandinavian spices and is served with almond slices and raisins in the glass.