Drinks
Glögi (Finnish Mulled Wine)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 750 ml (3 1/4 cups) Red wine (or red grape/currant juice for non-alcoholic)
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 6 Whole cloves
- 4 Cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2 strips Dried orange peel
- 3 tbsp Sugar or honey
- 3 tbsp Raisins
- 3 tbsp Blanched almonds, sliced
Method
- Combine the wine or juice, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and orange peel in a saucepan.
- Warm gently over low heat for 15-20 minutes, without letting it boil, to infuse the spices.
- Stir in the sugar or honey until dissolved, then strain out the whole spices.
- Reheat gently if needed, then ladle into cups with a few raisins and almond slices in each.
Introduction: Glögi is Finland’s warming spiced drink for the dark winter months, served at Christmas markets, family gatherings and cosy evenings throughout Advent.
Cultural Background: Glögi is Finland’s warming spiced drink for the dark winter months, served at Christmas markets, family gatherings and cosy evenings throughout Advent. Both alcoholic (wine-based) and non-alcoholic (juice-based) versions exist side by side, making it a drink the whole family can enjoy together.
Tips: Never let the liquid boil, especially the wine version, or the alcohol and delicate flavours will cook off. Make a spiced syrup base ahead of time and simply top up with wine or juice when serving guests.
Variations: Add a splash of vodka or dark rum to the wine version for extra warmth. For a non-alcoholic version, use a mix of blackcurrant juice and apple juice.
Storage: Refrigerate strained glögi in a sealed bottle for up to 1 week; reheat gently to serve.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat; do not boil.
FAQs:
Q: Can children drink glögi?
A: Yes, the non-alcoholic juice-based version is a Christmas favourite for children across Finland.
Q: What are the raisins and almonds for?
A: They are traditionally spooned into the cup along with the warm drink and eaten with a small spoon once softened.
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