National Dish Norway: Gløgg (Recipe)
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Warm your hands and lift your spirits with Gløgg, the spiced winter drink that fills Norwegian homes from the first Sunday of Advent onwards. Red wine, orange juice and a handful of whole spices are gently coaxed together until the kitchen smells of cinnamon and cloves, then poured into small mugs and scattered with almonds and raisins. It is the perfect companion for a long, dark evening with friends — and it takes barely twenty minutes to make.
About Gløgg
Gløgg is a warm, deeply aromatic drink traditionally served throughout the Norwegian winter. It is a delicious blend of red wine, whole spices and fruit juice that comes together into something harmonious and thoroughly warming. It is often finished with almonds and raisins, which add not only extra flavour but also a pleasant texture in the cup. This is the drink for cosy evenings with friends, or as the festive high point of the Advent season.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 ml red wine
- 200 ml orange juice
- 50 g sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5–6 cloves
- 1 star anise
- Optional: almonds and raisins, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
For a good gløgg, every ingredient should be fresh and of decent quality. Start with the red wine, since it forms the base of the drink. Choose a bottle you would happily drink on its own, because its character will shape the finished result. The spices matter just as much, so look out for fresh cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise to get the very best from your gløgg.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready to make gløgg is refreshingly quick and simple. Set out the fruit juice and the spices in a pan first, then add the wine. Having everything together in one suitable pot is what gives you an even, well-rounded flavour. Keep the optional extras such as almonds and raisins to hand as well, since these are added at the moment of serving.
Step-by-step instructions
- Pour the red wine and the orange juice into a large pan.
- Add the sugar and the spices — cinnamon, cloves and star anise.
- Heat the mixture over a medium heat, but do not let it boil.
- Leave it to infuse for 15–20 minutes so the aromas can develop.
- Pass it through a sieve before serving to remove the whole spices.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with almonds and raisins to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Gløgg is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an ideal drink for anyone with those intolerances. The main ingredients — wine and fruit juice — cause no problems, as long as the spices and any additions are free from gluten and lactose too. You can therefore enjoy gløgg without a second thought, even with particular dietary needs. As long as you stick to fresh, unprocessed ingredients, the drink stays clean and thoroughly enjoyable.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Gløgg is easily made vegan or vegetarian. Just check that your wine is vegan-friendly, as some wines are fined using animal-derived products. Sugar alternatives such as agave syrup or coconut blossom sugar work well too if you want to adjust the drink. These small changes mean anyone can enjoy the full, rounded flavour of gløgg, whatever their dietary preferences.
More tips and tricks
A few simple ideas will improve your gløgg no end. Experiment with different spices to discover new combinations — a hint of ginger or vanilla gives the drink a distinctive edge. Gløgg is also brilliant for a party: make a large batch and let your guests add their own garnishes for a personal touch. A tray of Kanelboller alongside turns it into a proper spread.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The joy of a gløgg recipe lies in its flexibility. Adjust the sweetness to suit yourself by adding more or less sugar. The fruit juice can vary too — apple juice or grape juice are popular alternatives that give the drink a different character. You can also stir in a measure of spirits such as rum or vodka if you prefer a stronger version.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, several are easy to swap. Instead of red wine you can use alcohol-free wine or grape juice. Be creative with the spices as well: allspice or cardamom make an interesting change. Substitutions like these give you the freedom to make gløgg exactly the way you like it, and it pairs beautifully with sweet treats such as Krydderkake.
Drink pairing ideas
Alongside gløgg you might offer other winter drinks. Hot chocolate is a firm favourite and takes beautifully to spices such as cinnamon. A spiced apple punch or a simple hot lemon are good alternatives for guests who would rather avoid alcohol. That way there is something for every taste at the table.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation makes a real difference to gløgg. Serve it in pretty mugs or heatproof glasses with a festive touch, arrange the steaming cups on a decorative tray, and use fresh fruit or cinnamon sticks as a garnish. Add a plate of Kransekake or warm Vafler and the whole thing becomes a celebration. Careful presentation like this will impress your guests and underline the festive mood.
A bit of history
The origins of gløgg reach far back into the Nordic countries, where it has long been made in the depths of winter. Originally the drink was prepared from spices, honey and wine. Over the years the recipe has shifted and many variations have appeared. Today gløgg is a fixed part of Scandinavian Christmas culture and of Norwegian cuisine, enjoyed in countless homes and at Christmas markets across the country.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Gløgg
Gløgg is far more than a simple drink; it is a symbol of cosiness and festive tradition in Norway. With its wonderful aromas and its sheer versatility, it is no surprise that it is such a favourite through the winter months. Whether you tailor the recipe to your own preferences or play creatively with the ingredients, gløgg is always a lovely way to warm up on a cold day. Let it work its magic and enjoy the warmth and flavour of traditional Norwegian gløgg.
