Glögg Day in Sweden Date in the current year: December 1, 2024

Glögg is a Nordic-style hot mulled wine, or sometimes spirit, similar to German-Austrian Glühwein and French vin chaud. It originated in Sweden and then spread to other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway) and Estonia.

The tradition of drinking hot spiced wine can be traced back to ancient times; it has been a common drink in the Nordic countries since at least the 16th century. The first recorded mention of the expression “glödgat vin” (“mulled wine”) dates from 1609. The original form of the drink was consumed by postmen and messengers who often had to travel on skis or horseback in cold weather.

Glögg became a popular Christmas drink in Sweden in the early 19th century, and by the end of the century Swedish manufacturers began producing ready-made glögg. The drink is traditionally consumed throughout the Christmas season, from the first Sunday of Advent to Saint Knut’s Day (January 13).

Glögg recipes vary widely. Although it is most commonly made with red wine (sometimes with the addition of spirits such as akvavit, brandy, schnapps, rum, whiskey, or vodka), it can also be made with white wine or sweet fortified wine such as Madeira or Port. Non-alcoholic glögg is made by substituting juice for wine (blackcurrant juice is a popular choice) or by boiling the wine to evaporate the alcohol.

Traditional mulling spices used in glögg include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger and bitter orange peel. Premixed glögg spices and spice extracts are available in grocery stores throughout Sweden. It is also common to add whole almonds or raisins to glögg before serving; raisins are sometimes soaked in a liquor to increase the alcohol content of glögg.

Glögg is made by adding mulling spices or spice extract and sugar to wine, which is then heated to 60-70 °C. If spices are used rather than spice extract, they are left to steep in the wine for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Of course, the drink is reheated before serving. Alternatively, you can boil water, add spices, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then strain the mixture and add wine, juice, or spirit.

It is also possible to buy ready-made glögg, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and simply heat it up. It should be noted tha, according to Swedish law, only non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic (less than 3.5% alcohol by volume) glögg can be purchased in grocery stores and supermarkets; strong glögg is only sold in Systembolaget (a state-owned chain of liquor stores).

Glögg is usually served with various snacks such as gingerbread and saffron buns (lussebullar or lussekatter, traditionally served on Saint Lucia’s Day). It is also a traditional part of julbord, a buffet-style Christmas meal.

On December 1, Swedes celebrate Glögg Day to kick off the Christmas season and enjoy the beloved hot beverage. It is a great day to drink a mug or two of glögg, experiment with glögg recipes, and get together with loved ones to get into the Christmas spirit together.