Swedish Mulled Wine, also known as Glogg, is a delightful winter beverage that warms the soul with its aromatic blend of spices and red wine. This traditional Scandinavian drink is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply sipping by the fireplace on a cold winter night.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (choose a full-bodied red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup of brandy or cognac
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 10-12 whole cloves
• 10-12 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 star anise
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of blanched almonds
• 1/2 cup of dried apricots, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup of water

Directions

1. Begin by placing the sliced orange and lemon, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in a large pot.
2. Pour the red wine into the pot and add the sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
3. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the wine.
4. While the wine is simmering, in a separate small saucepan, combine the water and raisins. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from heat and let the raisins plump up for about 5 minutes.
5. After the wine has simmered and the raisins have plumped, add the brandy or cognac to the pot. Warm it for a couple of minutes but do not boil.
6. Now, strain the raisins and add them to the pot along with the blanched almonds and chopped dried apricots (if using).
7. Remove the pot from heat and ladle the warm Glogg into mugs or glasses, ensuring each serving has a few almonds, raisins, and a slice of citrus.
8. Serve your Swedish Mulled Wine (Glogg) piping hot and enjoy the festive warmth and flavors that this traditional Scandinavian beverage brings to your winter gatherings. Skål! (Cheers in Swedish).