Swedish Glögg Recipe for Yule (Swedish Mulled Wine)

When the nights get long and the air turns sharp, Scandinavians reach for glögg - a deep red, spiced Swedish mulled wine served steaming in small cups, fragrant with citrus, cinnamon, and cardamom. Traditionally sipped during Advent, Yule, and Christmas gatherings, this classic Swedish glögg recipe is a cozy fireside ritual, often served with raisins and blanched almonds you eat with a tiny spoon between warm, slow sips.

Glögg is Sweden’s answer to mulled wine: red wine gently warmed with spices, orange, and just enough Aquavit or other spirits to add a pleasant glow. It’s less about getting a buzz and more about marking the turning of the season - candles lit, friends gathered, and something fragrant and delicious simmering on the stove.

Swedish‑Style Glögg Recipe (Yule Glögg)

This Scandinavian‑inspired Swedish glögg recipe keeps to tradition but has a house twist, perfect for brewing up while you’re wrapped in your favorite Yule tee from our witchy winter collection. This Yule glögg is ideal for solstice gatherings, holiday movie nights, and any evening that needs a little extra glow.

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Round out your Yule celebration with unique tees from our Yule collection. They're perfect for Yule gifting or wearing to holiday get-togethers.

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Swedish Glögg Recipe for Yule (Swedish Mulled Wine)

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

34 mins

Servings

6-8

Ingredients

1 medium orange, zest only (about 2 tablespoons)
2 cinnamon sticks
10–15 whole cloves
2–3 thin slices dried or fresh ginger (or a 2–3 cm knob, sliced)
1 teaspoon cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1-2 star anise
75 ml (about 5 tablespoons) Aquavit (or use vodka, light rum, or brandy instead)
1 bottle (750 ml) dry, fruity red wine
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar, or ⅓ cup honey, to taste
2 tablespoons raisins, plus extra for serving
10–20 blanched almonds, plus extra for serving

Instructions

Up to 5 days ahead of time, make the spiced Aquavit; Add the orange zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and cardamom pods to a clean jar.
Pour in the Aquavit, seal, and let it infuse at room temperature for at least 24 hours and up to 5 days, swirling gently once or twice a day.
When you're ready to prepare the glögg, strain the infused Aquavit into a non‑reactive saucepan, discarding the whole spices.
Add the red wine, brown sugar or honey, and 2 tablespoons raisins.
Warm over low heat until the Swedish mulled wine is steaming but not boiling; you want it hot enough to sip, without bubbling.
Remove from the heat and let your Yule glögg rest for 30–60 minutes so the flavors can settle and deepen.
You can serve this Swedish glögg right away, or cool completely, transfer to a clean bottle or jar, and refrigerate for a few days. The flavor gets richer as it sits.
To serve, gently rewarm the glögg until hot but not boiling.
Place a few raisins and 2–3 blanched almonds in the bottom of each small heatproof glass or mug.
Ladle the hot glögg over the fruit and nuts and serve right away, with a small spoon so everyone can enjoy the wine‑soaked goodies at the end.

Featured collection

Our Yule and Christmas Collection celebrates seasonal magic with a witch-ish twist. Each item features festive designs inspired by winter solstice, Yule, Christmas, and cozy, whimsical vibes.