Glögg

Origins and history

Warm spiced wine has been known in northern Europe since at least the sixteenth century. Early variations were strong, spirit-based drinks carried by messengers and postal workers travelling on skis or horseback through freezing conditions. By the nineteenth century, people began mixing wine and spirits with sweet syrups and fruit juices. During the same era, Swedish wine merchants started bottling their own special recipes for the winter holiday season, decorating the bottles with festive folk figures called tomte. The custom crossed over into Finland in the late nineteenth century, and later spread into Estonia during the late twentieth century.

Spices and ingredients

Modern recipes offer many variations, starting from a base of wine, hard liquor, or fruit juice. Traditional spice mixtures rely heavily on whole cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and crushed cardamom pods, sometimes brightened with fresh peels of orange or lemon. High-proof alcohol such as cognac, brandy, or punsch can be added to deepen the flavour. Non-alcoholic versions are crafted from juices such as blackcurrant, grape, or apple. Regardless of the base, cooks warm the liquid slowly without allowing it to reach a boil, preserving both the delicate aromas and the alcohol content.

Serving and accompaniments

Serving glögg is an interactive social custom during the winter holidays. Hosts typically place peeled whole almonds and plump raisins directly into the pot as it heats, or set them out in bowls for guests to spoon into the bottom of their cups. As the warm drink is sipped, the soaked nuts and fruit soften and absorb the spiced flavours. To complete the gathering, the beverage is paired with traditional seasonal treats, notably crisp gingerbread biscuits and bright yellow saffron buns.

How Glögg is kept

To prepare the drink, spices are simmered in water or steeped overnight in wine, spirits, and sugar. The liquid is then strained and blended with fruit juices or extra alcohol before being gently heated on the stove. Hosts take care not to boil alcoholic versions. While warming, whole almonds and raisins are mixed in or distributed into individual mugs. People gather indoors around the stove or table, sipping the hot drink and eating the steeped fruit and nuts alongside gingerbread biscuits and saffron buns.

When and where

Glögg is enjoyed throughout the cold winter months, with consumption peaking in December. It serves as a central feature of the Nordic Christmas season, shared at home gatherings, festive markets, and holiday parties.

The tradition originated in Sweden and remains widespread throughout the Nordic region. It is celebrated across Finland, where Fenno-Swedish and Finnish communities embraced it, as well as in Estonia, where local production expanded rapidly in the 1990s.

What Glögg means

Glögg represents warmth, hospitality, and comfort during the darkest and coldest period of the year. From its practical origins as a restorative drink for outdoor couriers in winter, it evolved into an emblem of welcoming hospitality. Sharing a steaming mug signifies the arrival of the holiday season, inviting friends and family to pause, gather indoors, and share seasonal pastries together.

On the table

• Glögg
• Gingerbread biscuits
• Saffron buns
• Raisins
• Almonds

Flavours: Clove Cinnamon Cardamom Ginger Saffron

Days Glögg is marked

Questions people ask about Glögg

See also

RisalamandeA chilled Danish Christmas rice dessert with cream, chopped almonds and cherry sauceSaffron bunA golden, spiced yeast roll flavoured with saffron, baked for festive and holy daysJulebordA Scandinavian Christmas banquet of traditional dishes, festive drinks and celebrationSt John's EveBonfires, feasting and worship on the short night before John the Baptist's feast

Good reading and sources

• Glögg on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.