Warm up your winters with the delightful Fireside Glogg, a superb wine-based beverage infused with aromatic spices. This heartwarming drink, served warm, will envelop you in its sweet and fruity embrace, making it the perfect choice for the holiday season. This traditional Scandinavian recipe, cherished by Sue Brown from West Bend, Wisconsin, combines the richness of port wine or apple cider with the tartness of cranberries and a blend of warming spices. The result is a comforting concoction that will surely add a touch of festive cheer to any gathering.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups port wine or apple cider, divided
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 orange peel strips (3 inches)
- 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
- 5 slices fresh peeled gingerroot
- 5 cardamom pods
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 cups apple cider or juice
- ½ cup blanched almonds
- ½ cup raisins
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of the wine, cranberries, brown sugar, orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop, approximately 15 minutes. Slightly mash the mixture and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to discard the pulp, orange peel, and spices. Return the liquid to the pan and stir in the cider, almonds, raisins, and the remaining wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
YIELD: 8 servings (¾ cup each)
PREP/COOK TIME: 45 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use apple cider instead of port wine.
- For added richness and depth of flavor, consider using port wine in the recipe.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use thawed frozen cranberries as a suitable alternative.
- To enhance the aroma and taste, lightly crush the cardamom pods and cloves before adding them to the mixture.
- For a more potent and spirited drink, consider adding brandy to the Fireside Glogg.
Fireside Glogg, a traditional Scandinavian holiday delight, brings the warmth of festive flavors and aromatic spices to your gatherings. Sue Brown’s cherished recipe from West Bend, Wisconsin, infuses the superb richness of port wine or the comforting touch of apple cider with the tartness of cranberries, creating a heartwarming beverage that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
The process of gently simmering the wine or cider with cranberries, brown sugar, orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a beautifully spiced and subtly sweet concoction. The vibrant crimson hue and enticing aroma make it a festive addition to any holiday celebration.
The Fireside Glogg serves as a reminder of a long-standing Christmas tradition, harkening back to Swedish King Gustav’s love for a drink made from German wine, sugar, honey, and spices. This glowing-hot wine evolved into the beloved “glogg” in the 19th century, becoming synonymous with Christmas festivities.
This recipe’s versatility allows you to choose between port wine for a richer flavor or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version, making it suitable for all guests to enjoy. The addition of blanched almonds and raisins adds a delightful texture and complements the warm, fruity taste of the glogg.
As you sip on the Fireside Glogg, you’ll be transported to the heart of Scandinavian holiday traditions, savoring the spirit of togetherness and the joy of celebrating with loved ones.
In conclusion, Fireside Glogg is not just a beverage; it’s a taste of holiday magic. As you prepare this comforting drink, take a moment to appreciate the time-honored traditions that have woven this heartwarming beverage into the fabric of Christmas celebrations. So, gather around the fireplace, raise a toast to good company, and let the Fireside Glogg warm your spirits and create cherished memories for years to come.
