Mulled Wine/Glögg (non-alcoholic)

Mulled wine usually contains red wine combined with spices and sugar. The reason for the additional spices was to make the wine drinkable again in the old days (since it often went bad). Nowadays, it is a traditional drink which is enjoyed especially around Christmas time, particularly in the Nordic countries (or Scandinavia to be exact) although I know of people in Italy, Holland and Spain that drink this festive beverage. The recipe for Glögg or Jólaglögg (Christmas Glögg) as we call it in Iceland varies widely, even between villages in each country. Glögg however almost always includes red wine and of course the spices. Since I don't drink alcohol I have made this recipe alcohol free, using cranberry juice and apple juice. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting down by a fire on a cold winter's day, holding a cup of my own Jólaglögg, breathing in the delicious aroma. Each Christmas, when unwrapping the presents (which in Iceland, is done after dinner time on the 24th of December) I make a pot of Jólaglögg for me and my husband. For those of you familiar with mulled cider, Glögg tastes similar. 

Ensure that the juice you use (cranberry and apple) does not include sugar and is organic. Note that the recipe is nut free although adding almonds at the end is recommended (but of course optional).

This recipe is:

  • Egg free
  • Gluten free
  • Lactose (dairy) free
  • Nut free
  • Vegan

Mulled Wine/Glögg (non-alcoholic)

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

  • 500 millilitres (17 fluid oz) cranberry juice
  • 500 millilitres (17 fluid oz) apple juice
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • A handful whole almonds
  • A handful raisins

Preparation

  1. In a large saucepan, place the following ingredients: The 500 millilitres cranberry juice, 500 millilitres apple juice, 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon agave nectar.
  2. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
  3. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks and discard.
  4. Add the 4 tablespoons lemon juice and allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Just 5 minutes before serving, add the handful whole almonds and the handful raisins.

Tips

  • You can leave the cinnamon sticks and cloves for longer if you prefer a spicier taste.
  • Some people don't like soft raisins so don't leave them in for too long if someone doesn't like them that way.