[photo courtesy: Slashfood]
It’s that time of the year. The mad rush for holiday gifts. The office parties that turn into all night karaoke battles. The headache of traveling: packing, driving, security lines, delays… I could go on. And then, the coldness really kicks in. That’s when you run home and get cozy by the fireplace. Or if you’re like us – the heater in our studio apartment.
That’s when we ran into a Scandinavian concoction, the Swedish Glögg. Glögg is a warm, spicy, mulled Swedish drink made during the holidays. Perfect for icy nights and relaxing with family and/or friends, this boozy beverage traditionally uses port wine, but we’re substituting with one of our affordable Today’s Bordeaux reds. Try it out next time you finish your holiday errands and finally made it back home in one piece.
Trust us – you’ll be merrier.
Swedish Glögg:
Ingredients:
· 1 bottle red wine
· 1 bottle brandy (bourbon or vodka are also appropriate)
· 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
· 20 cardamom pods
· ½ cup each raisins and almonds
· ½ pound sugar
Directions:
Combine wine, cinnamon, cardamom, raisins, almonds and all but ½ cup of brandy in a large pot and simmer for one hour. Remove from heat. Add reserved brandy and sugar to mixture then (carefully!) ignite using a long match stick. Let flames blaze for one minute. Cover to extinguish flames. When ready to drink, strain into mugs, reserving the almonds and raisin for garnish.
Do you have a cozy cocktail you want to share with your fellow winos? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll feature it! Stay warm!
[recipe: Gothamist]
