Friday, December 18, 2015

Glögg / Glühwein Recipe: A Swedish & German Christmas Tradition

Mulled Wine Recipe
Christmas markets in Berlin, Germany last year
Three years ago, Nick and I hosted our first Christmas party in Minneapolis, and at this Christmas party he introduced me to a marvelous Christmas drink by the name of Glögg (Swedish) or Glühwein (German). Ever since then, and especially after the last two years at Christmas markets in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Paris, this has become a Christmas tradition of ours! In any case, now that we are back home in the U.S. and have made this for a Christmas party here, I figure it is about time to share our recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2 bottles red wine (Barefoot Cabernet works excellent, but it is up to you! Cheap is just fine, as long as you enjoy the wine normally it will be great!)
  • 1 bottle sweet white wine (Barefoot Moscato is what we use!)
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds
  • 1 cup sugar (more or less depending on taste)
  • optional: 1-2 cups vanilla flavored vodka (more or less, depending on taste & desired strength)
Step 1: Combine wines in large saucepan.
Step 2: Halve orange and lemon, squeeze juice into wine mixture. Be careful not to get lemon seeds in mixture!
Step 3: Add cinnamon sticks, raisins, almonds, and sugar. 
Step 4: Bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, turn heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. Taste glögg, adding sugar as necessary to sweeten.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Add vodka just prior to serving. 

So there you have it with a delicious, authentic Swedish Glögg recipe! As you can see, glögg is relatively easy to prepare and only takes 20 minutes or so to whip up. It is the perfect holiday drink, and will make any room truly smell like Christmas! 

Now, for those of you who are confused, or have experienced glögg or glühwein yourself, you may be wondering if they are actually the same drink? In short, no, they are not. Both are a hot, spiced, mulled wine drink. Both glögg and glühwein have a wine base and spices added, but after this point the similarities end. Key differences between glögg and glühwein: glögg will typically have vodka added, while glühwein will typically have brandy added. Glögg will be heavier and have more sugar added, while glühwein is lighter, has more spices, and has less sugar added. 

It is important to note that depending where you are in Europe, and which recipe is followed, there can be other differences! I've experienced glühwein that does not have the added raisins and almonds. Personally, this is my preference, and I always strain these out of my holiday drink. This is most certainly a recipe that you can experiment with and change up based on your personal preferences. For those of you who have tried glögg or glühwein before, what is your preference? To anybody who hasn't tried glögg before, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch today!

**If you liked this post, please pin it!**

Gluhwein Recipe

9 comments:

  1. This is a great recipe! I'm absolutely obsessed with Gluehwein although I've recently been turned onto hot chocolate and amaretto!

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    1. Oooh that sounds good as well! Gluhwein is such a delicious holiday treat. I'm planning on making some for NYE and can't wait!

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  2. This is the answer to my prayers-- hahaha! That stuff is the best, what a great idea to make some!

    <3 Have Ashley, Will Travel

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    1. Yay! I hope you are able to make some this year. Happy holidays!

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  3. I need to try this! One of my travel bucket list items is to visit Christmas markets in Europe but until that happens I'll need to make this at home!

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    1. I totally agree, make it at home and it'll feel almost like being there! Happy holidays Julie!

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  4. Love your recipe, pinned! I will have to give this a try on cool summer nights when we get back home. It makes me so sad you can't easily buy gluhwein and glogg in bottles at home as you can here in Europe. I'm almost gluhwein-ed out this holiday season - I had no idea that was possible!

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    1. Thanks Annessa! Yes, definitely disappointing you can't buy it back here like you can in Europe...although I'm not going to lie, I almost like my gluhwein better- and it makes my house smell amazing!

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    ReplyDelete

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