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There’s nothing like a warm and spiced drink to kick off the winter season, and this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine recipe is just the thing you need to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you are hosting a party, unwinding after a long day or just looking for something cozy to sip on, this recipe will make all of those winter dreams come true.
Made with bold red wine, vodka and a combination of festive ingredients – such as oranges, cinnamon sticks and green cardamom pods – this spiced wine glogg has everything you could want in a holiday drink.
I can guarantee that once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to plain old wine. So dust off your slow cooker, grab a bottle of red wine and let’s get started on this delicious journey together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect drink to warm you up on chilly days, look no further than Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine. This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional mulled wine, which has been enjoyed for centuries across Europe during the cold winter months.
The reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s not only delicious but also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic drink that’s packed with warming spices and bold red wine.
The secret to making the best Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine lies in its unique blend of spices. From green cardamom pods to cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest, each spice brings a unique flavor to the mix. The addition of vodka in this recipe also adds an extra kick of warmth that you won’t find in other mulled wine recipes.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s fully customizable. While we recommend using a bold red wine like ruby port or Zinfandel, you can use any type of full-bodied red wine that you enjoy. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar, depending on your preference.
Finally, Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings with friends and family. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will fill your house with the warm aroma of spices.
In conclusion, this Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and warming drinks. With its unique blend of spices and customizable sweetness levels, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredient List
To make an authentic Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
- 2 cups of vodka
- zest of 2 oranges
- 10 whole cloves
- 10 green cardamom pods
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of blanched almonds
- 1/3 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
- About a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced thinly
- 5g star anise
Note: As with most mulled wine recipes, you can modify the measurements to fit your taste preference. In addition, as we mentioned earlier, there are different versions of this recipe across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. You may find variations that include additional spices or types of alcohol such as rum or brandy. Feel free to experiment and find a recipe that suits you.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Toast the spices
– In a large pot, add 10 green cardamom pods, 2 small cinnamon sticks and 1 star anise. Toast for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the wine
– To the pot, add 1 bottle of red wine, 2 cups of ruby port and 2 cups of apple cider. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add in sweeteners and flavorings
– Mix in 2 tbsp of whole cloves, the zest of one orange, â…“ cup firmly packed brown sugar, and 3 tbsp fresh ginger sliced. Stir well.
Step 4: Infuse the vodka
– In a separate pan, pour in 2 cups of vodka and stir in 1 cup of whole blanched almonds. Heat over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the almonds are lightly toasted. Turn off the heat and add in 1 tbsp of green cardamom pods, stirring continuously for about a minute.
Step 5: Bring it all together
– Remove the pot from heat and pour the vodka-almond mixture through a cheesecloth into the wine mixture, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Heat up
– Warm up the mixture over low heat until hot but not boiling. This is hot mulled wine that must be consumed slowly over time.
Enjoy this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine recipe with friends and family during any occasion that calls for a warm, cozy drink.
Substitutions and Variations
If you are looking to switch up this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine recipe, there are a few simple substitutions and variations you can try.
Instead of using ruby port or red wine, you can try using a full-bodied white wine or even a sweet dessert wine. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the red wine with apple cider and skip the vodka.
For those who love more spice, you can add additional ginger or more green cardamom pods to infuse more flavors into the drink. You can also add star anise or nutmeg for an extra punch of flavor.
For those who want to make this recipe more their own, try substituting different types of nuts in place of the whole blanched almonds. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans all work great in this recipe.
If you don’t have access to all the spices recommended in this Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine Recipe, don’t worry. You can experiment with your own spice combinations and create your own signature mulled wine blend. Just remember, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange zest are essential ingredients for bringing the warm and comforting flavors to this traditional winter beverage.
In summary, feel free to play around with substitutions and variations of this recipe until you come up with a drink that is perfect for your palate. The beauty of mulled wine is that it is versatile and adaptable—you really can’t go wrong!
Serving and Pairing
Before serving your spiced Scandinavian mulled wine, strain it to get rid of the spices and orange zest. Then, serve it hot in heat-resistant glasses or mugs.
This wine is a perfect drink for chilly evenings and festive events. It’s an excellent pairing with many desserts such as apple strudel, gingerbread cookies, or chocolate truffles. If you prefer savory pairings, try serving it alongside a cheese platter with brie, camembert, or gorgonzola.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, the wine can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low heat so that your guests can serve themselves. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or star anise to add an extra touch of elegance.
Remember that this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine has a warming effect due to its alcohol content and spices. So, serve it moderately to avoid overindulgence.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine recipe is that it can be made ahead and stored. In fact, the flavors only improve with time! The key is to strain the mulled wine once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To reheating the mulled wine, simply pour it into a saucepan and heat over low heat until warm. Be careful not to boil the wine or you’ll cook off all of the alcohol.
If you’re hosting a party, consider making a big batch of this mulled wine in advance, then simply reheat it as guests arrive. This will free up your time to mingle and enjoy your guests rather than spending time in the kitchen.
For more convenience, you can also use a slow cooker to keep the mulled wine warm. Set the slow cooker on its lowest setting and let the guests help themselves as they please.
No matter how you choose to make and serve this spiced Scandinavian mulled wine, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine recipe turns out perfectly, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to use a full-bodied red wine, as it will stand up better to the spices and flavors in the recipe.
Another tip is to use freshly grated or ground spices whenever possible. This will give your mulled wine a more intense and aromatic flavor, and will help to create a more balanced drink.
When it comes to simmering the ingredients together on the stovetop or slow cooker, be sure not to let it boil. Boiling can cause the alcohol in your wine to evaporate, which will affect both the taste and potency of your drink.
It’s also essential not to add too much sugar when sweetening your Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine. While you want a hint of sweetness, adding too much sugar can overpower the other flavors in the recipe.
Lastly, make sure you garnish your mulled wine glasses with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a festive touch. This spicy and aromatic drink is perfect for sipping on cold winter nights or serving at holiday parties.
FAQ
Now that you’ve got the recipe for this delicious spiced Scandinavian mulled wine, it’s time to address some of the most frequently asked questions about it. These FAQs will help dispel any doubts or concerns you might have about making this fantastic drink perfect for a cozy night at home or a festive gathering with loved ones. So, without further ado, let’s explore some of these common questions and concerns.
What is Scandinavian mulled wine?
In the Nordic region and Scandinavia, a popular winter drink is served during Christmas markets and warmly enjoyed inside snowy homes. Glögg, as it’s spelled in Sweden and Iceland, is a warmed wine that is infused with sugar, spices, and occasionally a splash of liquor. Its aroma is synonymous with the festive cheer of winter.
What’s the difference between mulled and spiced wine?
Mulled wine has evolved over time and the present version is usually sweeter than the traditional ‘spiced wine’. This is because fruit juice is commonly added to balance out the tartness and spiciness.
What is the best wine for mulled spiced wine?
When it comes to making mulled wine, selecting a rich, intense and fruity red wine with a full body is crucial. Merlot, Zinfandel and Garnacha are excellent options that can effectively complement and harmonize with the added spices and flavors.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, spiced Scandinavian mulled wine is the perfect drink for cold winter nights or any festive celebration. This recipe encompasses all the classic flavors of glögg, including orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and green cardamom pods. It is a tasty, full-bodied drink that’s perfect for enjoying with friends and family. And above all, it’s easy to make and can be stored for later serving.
The spiced Scandinavian mulled wine recipe is flexible so you can customize it to your liking by adding or removing spices based on your preferences. You can even substitute red wine with port or apple cider for variations that are just as delicious.
With this recipe in hand, you won’t have to worry about how to make the perfect glögg or mulled wine at home. Trust me; it’s a hit among my guests every time I serve it! So go ahead and try out this recipe now and feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. I guarantee that you’ll love every sip of it. Cheers!
Spiced Scandinavian Mulled Wine Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 100 g whole blanched almonds
- 700 ml red wine
- 700 ml ruby port
- 600 ml vodka
- 10 green cardamom pods
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 10 cloves
- 2 the pared large oranges, zest of
- 100 -150 g golden caster sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Cover 100g whole blanched almonds with boiling water and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and slice lengthways into thin shards, then spread out on a baking tray and roast for 6-7 minutes, until golden. Cool.
- Meanwhile, put 700ml red wine, 700ml ruby port, 600ml vodka, 10 green cardamom pods, 2 small cinnamon sticks, 10 cloves, the pared zest of 2 large oranges and 100-150g golden caster sugar into a large pan and leave over a low heat for 20 minutes – do not let it boil.
- Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Put a metal teaspoon into each glass – this will absorb the heat so that the glass doesn’t crack.
- To serve, pour the mulled wine between glasses and sprinkle with the toasted almonds and 2 tablespoons raisins.