As the holidays roll around, we’re thrilled to dive into our non-alcoholic glogg recipe—a cozy twist on a Scandinavian classic. This warming spiced drink captures the essence of Swedish traditions without the buzz, making it ideal for family festivities or chilly nights by the fire.
We love how easy it is to whip up this version, using everyday ingredients to deliver that rich, aromatic flavor everyone craves. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening, our glogg brings a touch of Nordic charm to your table.
Ingredients
In crafting our non-alcoholic glogg, we start with a selection of simple yet aromatic ingredients that bring warmth and Nordic charm to this cozy drink. We organize them here in the order they’re typically used, from base liquids to final garnishes, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless preparation.
- Apple cider: 1 liter (as our fruity base, providing a rich, tart foundation for the brew)
- Grape juice: 500 ml (non-alcoholic alternative to wine, added next for depth and subtle sweetness)
- Orange: 2 medium oranges (zested and juiced; use fresh ones for vibrant citrus notes that enhance the spices)
- Cinnamon sticks: 4 pieces (whole and fresh; these go in early to infuse the mixture with warm, woody spice)
- Whole cloves: 1 teaspoon (added alongside cinnamon for a pungent, aromatic punch that evokes holiday essence)
- Cardamom pods: 10 pods (lightly crushed before use to release their exotic, floral flavors)
- Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece (peeled and sliced; incorporated to add a zesty, invigorating kick)
- Raisins: ½ cup (plumped in warm water if needed, for a sweet, chewy texture in the final serve)
- Slivered almonds: ¼ cup (toasted lightly for crunch; stirred in towards the end for added nutty contrast)
- Honey or brown sugar: ¼ cup (to taste, dissolved in the mix for balancing sweetness and body)
This lineup highlights the key elements that make our non-alcoholic glogg irresistibly flavorful, using everyday items to capture authentic Scandinavian spirit without any alcohol.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our non-alcoholic glogg smoothly after gathering the ingredients, we recommend having the right tools on hand. This ensures efficient preparation and helps capture that authentic Scandinavian warmth without any hassle. Below, we’ll list the essential equipment in the order of use, with brief notes on their roles for clarity.
- Large pot or saucepan (at least 4 quarts): We start by using this to simmer the base liquids like apple cider and grape juice, allowing the spices to infuse evenly and build rich flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we rely on these to measure ingredients precisely from the outset, ensuring balanced taste every time.
- Fine mesh strainer: Once the glogg has steeped, we use this to strain out whole spices and solids, resulting in a smooth, aromatic drink ready for serving.
- Wooden spoon or ladle: We stir the mixture gently with this throughout cooking to prevent sticking and make serving straightforward.
- Knife and cutting board: For preparing fresh elements like oranges, we use these to slice and zest, adding vibrant citrus notes that elevate the drink’s appeal.
- Heatproof mugs or glasses: Finally, we serve our glogg in these for safe handling of the warm beverage, enhancing the cozy experience during holiday gatherings.
If you’re scaling up the recipe for a larger group, consider doubling the size of your pot to accommodate more liquid without overflow—always prioritize safety when heating.
Instructions
We gather our fresh ingredients and essential tools to craft a delightful non-alcoholic glogg that’s bursting with aromatic spices and fruity warmth. Let’s walk through the steps to create this cozy Scandinavian-inspired drink with ease and precision.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to ensure everything simmers smoothly. Start by washing and slicing two fresh oranges into thin rounds to release their vibrant citrus notes. Next, measure out the spices: 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 tablespoon cardamom pods, and 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced) for that zesty kick. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup raisins and ¼ cup slivered almonds to add texture and depth.
Gather the liquids: Pour 4 cups apple cider and 2 cups grape juice into separate measuring cups for accuracy. If sweetness is needed, stir in 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar until dissolved. This prep sets the stage for a richly flavored base that evokes the essence of a traditional glogg without any alcohol.
Cook
We combine and heat our prepared ingredients in a large pot to infuse the flavors. Place the pot over medium heat and add the apple cider, grape juice, orange slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to blend everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—aim for small bubbles around the edges to avoid boiling, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
As the mixture simmers, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma of warming spices and fresh citrus. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, ensuring the spices bloom fully for a balanced, aromatic profile that captures the heart of non-alcoholic glogg.
Serve
To finish, we strain and serve our non-alcoholic glogg while it’s still warm for the ultimate cozy experience. Remove the pot from heat and use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mixture into heatproof mugs or glasses, discarding the solids like orange slices and spices for a smooth finish.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of slivered almonds and raisins from our prep, and perhaps an extra orange slice for visual appeal. This drink delivers a comforting warmth with layers of fruity sweetness and spicy undertones, perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings—serve immediately to savor its fresh, inviting flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our non-alcoholic glogg recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules, allowing us to prepare it in advance without sacrificing that signature spicy warmth and fruity aroma. This approach lets the flavors meld beautifully, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
Why Make Ahead?
We recommend making our glogg ahead to enhance its depth of flavor through infusion, saving us valuable time during events. By preparing in advance, the spices like cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods release their essence more fully, resulting in a richer, more aromatic drink that evokes the heart of Scandinavian tradition.
Step-by-Step Preparation for Make-Ahead
Follow these steps to prepare our glogg up to 2 days in advance:
- Prep and Simmer the Base: Begin by combining the apple cider, grape juice, sliced oranges, and spices in a large pot as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even infusion of the zesty ginger and vibrant citrus notes.
- Cool and Strain: Once the glogg has simmered and developed its comforting warmth, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the solids, capturing the smooth, spiced liquid that promises layers of fruity sweetness and spicy undertones.
- Store Properly: Transfer the strained glogg to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or pitcher. For optimal flavor retention, store it in the refrigerator where it will maintain its fresh, aromatic profile.
Storage Guidelines
To help us plan effectively, here’s a quick reference for storage durations and tips:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 48 hours | Keep in a sealed container to preserve the rich, aromatic flavors and prevent oxidation. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Portion into freezer-safe bags for easy thawing; avoid repeated freezing to maintain texture. |
Reheating and Serving
When we’re ready to serve, reheat the glogg gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring with a ladle until it reaches a warm, inviting temperature. This step revives the enticing blend of warming spices and fruity depth, ensuring each mug delivers that perfect, comforting experience. Garnish with slivered almonds and raisins just before serving to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this non-alcoholic glogg as a simple way to bring Scandinavian warmth into our lives. It’s ideal for sharing cozy moments or festive vibes without the buzz.
As we explore new traditions, this recipe reminds us how easy it is to create memorable flavors that’ll keep us coming back for more. Let’s raise a mug and enjoy the season’s spirit together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-alcoholic glogg?
Non-alcoholic glogg is a cozy Scandinavian-inspired drink, similar to mulled wine but without alcohol. It’s a warm, aromatic beverage made with apple cider, grape juice, and spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly evenings. This recipe captures the traditional Nordic flavors with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and fresh oranges, offering a rich, fruity warmth without any booze.
What ingredients are needed for non-alcoholic glogg?
Key ingredients include apple cider as the base, grape juice for depth, fresh oranges for citrus, and warming spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom. Add ginger for zest, raisins and slivered almonds for texture, and honey or brown sugar for sweetness. All are common household items, making it easy to prepare.
What equipment do I need to make non-alcoholic glogg?
You’ll need a large pot or saucepan for simmering, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a fine mesh strainer for smoothing, a wooden spoon or ladle for stirring, and a knife with a cutting board for prepping fruits. Heatproof mugs or glasses are ideal for serving, and scale up with a bigger pot for groups.
How do I prepare non-alcoholic glogg?
Start by prepping ingredients like slicing oranges and measuring spices. Combine liquids and spices in a pot, heat to infuse flavors, then simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. Strain the mixture, and serve warm garnished with raisins and almonds. This simple process yields a flavorful, spicy-sweet drink in under an hour.
Can I make non-alcoholic glogg ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to two days in advance to let flavors meld. Simmer the mixture, cool it, then strain and store in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it. Reheat gently on the stove, adding water if needed, and garnish fresh before serving to maintain its warm, aromatic appeal.
How should I store and reheat non-alcoholic glogg?
Store cooled glogg in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally—avoid boiling to preserve flavors. Add a splash of water if it thickens, and garnish with almonds and raisins just before serving.