Glogg

What is Glogg?

Glogg is a warm, spiced drink most often made with red or sweet wine, though white wine, spirits like brandy, or fruit juices can also be used. It is flavored with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and sometimes citrus peel. Raisins and whole almonds are often added, either while warming or just before serving. The drink is rich in aroma from the spices and has a sweet, fruity taste, sometimes with a gentle alcoholic warmth. It is typically served in small cups during winter, especially at Christmas gatherings.

Where does Glogg come from?

The tradition of drinking hot, spiced wine in the Nordic countries dates back to at least the 16th century. Originally, glogg was a spiced spirit consumed by travelers in cold weather. By the 19th century, it had become a popular winter drink in Sweden, often mixed with juice or syrup and sometimes spirits. Glogg spread to Finland from Sweden in the late 1800s, becoming a Christmas tradition there by the mid-20th century. In Estonia, Swedish-style glogg became popular only in the late 20th century, after first being known mainly as mulled wine.

How is Glogg made?

To make glogg, water is boiled and spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are added to steep. The mixture is then strained, and wine, spirits, or fruit juice is mixed in. Some recipes warm the wine and spices together without boiling, letting the flavors steep overnight. Raisins and almonds are often added during warming or just before serving. Non-alcoholic versions use grape, apple, or blackcurrant juice instead of wine. The drink is always served hot, but not boiled if it contains alcohol.

How and when is Glogg eaten?

Glogg is most commonly enjoyed during winter, especially around Christmas, often as part of festive gatherings. It is typically served with small snacks such as gingerbread biscuits or saffron buns. The drink is poured into small cups, sometimes with a few almonds or raisins added to each serving. It is enjoyed both as a treat during the day or as part of a holiday evening. In Sweden and Finland, it is a familiar part of Christmas celebrations.

Kinds of Glogg

There are many versions of glogg. Some use white wine or sweet wine as a base, while others include spirits like brandy, cognac, or even rum. Non-alcoholic glogg is made with fruit or berry juices, such as grape, apple, or blackcurrant. Commercially produced glogg is widely available, and recipes may vary by region and family tradition. In Estonia, glogg is a more recent tradition, with local production starting in the 1990s.

What Glogg means

Glogg is closely tied to Christmas and winter in Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. In Sweden, it became a Christmas tradition in the 19th century, with homemade and shop-bought blends often featuring festive labels. In Finland, it is a widespread holiday drink, and the largest glogg factory in the Nordic countries is located there. Glogg is now a symbol of Nordic holiday hospitality, with millions of litres sold each year.

When Glogg is on the table

Questions people ask about Glogg

Good reading and sources

• Glögg on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data