11-21-glogg.jpgWe first learned of Sweden's glögg, a hot mulled cider drink, when visiting neighboring Finland.

The hot drink was served with gingerbread and bleu cheese. The drink is powerful but easy to drink, so take it easy. Recipe after the jump.

One 750-ml bottle dry and fruity red wine, like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel
One 750-ml bottle port
Half 750-ml bottle cognac, brandy, rum, or vodka
Zest of 1 orange
10 cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
10 cloves
5 slices fresh ginger
Sugar to taste
1 cup raisins
1 cup blanched slivered almonds

Combine wine, port, spirit, orange zest, and spices in saucepan, along with 2 cups water; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight, at least 12 hours. Strain the mixture, then reheat (do not boil) and add sugar. Add the raisins and almonds (you might put a teaspoonful in each glass) and serve hot. (recipe from Mark Bittman's The Best Recipes in the World) (re-edited from 2006-11-21 original post).