GLÖGG

Glögg, or glögi, is a widely popular winter and Christmas time drink in Finland.

250 ml good quality red grape or blackcurrant juice (or half of both)

about 3 - 5 cm piece of cinnamon stick

2 - 3 whole cloves

2 allspice berries

5 - 7 whole cardamom seeds

very small piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of ginger powder

a few thin strips of fresh orange peel

5 - 6 almonds

about 6 - 8 dark raisins

With a vegetable peeler, peel a few thin slices of the zest of a thoroughly washed and brushed orange  preferably use organically grown fruit. Scald and peel the almonds.

Pour the juice(s) in a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom seeds, allspice berries, ginger and the orange peel strips. Bring the mixture just to the boil and turn off the heat. To enhance the flavour, allow the spices to steep in the hot juice for a few minutes. Reheat before serving, if necessary.

Drop some almonds and raisins in a serving mug or a tea-glass with a spoon in it and strain the hot glögg over. Serve immediately.

Serves 1.

See recipes for alcoholic red Christmas glögg or white Christmas glögg.