glögga

Glögga is a Swedish term often referring to a type of warm, spiced wine beverage, particularly popular during the Christmas season. It is the Swedish equivalent of mulled wine. The base is typically red wine, though white wine and non-alcoholic versions made with fruit juices like grape or apple are also common.

The characteristic flavor of glögga comes from a blend of spices, which usually includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and sometimes orange peel. Sweeteners like sugar or honey are added, and the mixture is heated gently, often just before serving. Traditional glögga may also be fortified with spirits such as brandy or rum.

Common accompaniments to glögga include gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor) and raisins or blanched almonds, which are often stirred into the drink itself. The preparation and consumption of glögga are deeply embedded in Scandinavian Christmas traditions, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and festive cheer. The aroma of the simmering spices is a strong olfactory cue associated with the holiday season in Sweden and other Nordic countries.