Glogg: The Cozy Winter Drink You Didn’t Know You Needed
When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, aromatic drink that feels like a hug in a mug. Meet Glogg (or Glögg, if you want to get fancy with it): a classic Scandinavian mulled wine that’s rich, spiced, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. And because I like to give my traditional recipes a twist, I’ve included California Prunes in this one, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that’s absolutely perfect.
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This post is sponsored by my friends at California Prunes. Sponsored posts like these help me to keep bringing you delicious gluten free recipes. Thank you for your support!
The Origins of Glogg
Glogg has been around for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages when folks in Sweden, Denmark and other Nordic countries would spice up wine to preserve it—and, let’s be honest, to make it a bit more exciting. It became especially popular in the 19th century, when Swedish King Charles XII supposedly brought the idea home after time spent in Turkey, where spiced drinks were common.
Traditionally served during the holiday season, Glogg was the drink of choice at gatherings, winter markets, and after a long day of sledding or trudging through snow. And while every family in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark has their own closely-guarded recipe, there’s a common theme: it’s a blend of red wine, sugar, warming spices, citrus, and dried fruits. You might find some recipes that add a splash of brandy or aquavit—because, you know, why not turn the warmth up a notch?

The Flavor Profile
So what does Glogg taste like? Imagine your favorite mulled wine but richer, with a deeper, more complex flavor thanks to the addition of dried fruits and sometimes a little bit of extra alcohol. Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are the stars of the show, infusing the wine with a warm, festive spice. Orange zest and juice brighten things up, while California Prunes add a lush, subtly sweet undertone that plays so well with the spices and red wine.
It’s the kind of drink that fills your home with a cozy, inviting aroma—like Christmas in a pot. And if you’ve ever wanted a reason to throw on some fuzzy socks and binge-watch holiday movies, a warm mug of Glogg is it.
How to Enjoy Glogg
Glogg is traditionally served warm, usually in small mugs or heatproof glasses. It’s meant to be sipped slowly, preferably by a crackling fire or while surrounded by friends at a holiday party. In Sweden, it’s often served with pepparkakor (ginger cookies) or lussekatter (saffron buns), but you can pair it with any spiced cookie or even a gluten-free biscotti.
For an extra-special treat, you can sprinkle in a few almonds or raisins and prunes when serving—think of them like little flavor-packed surprises at the bottom of your glass. And if you really want to lean into the festive spirit, add a shot of brandy or aquavit to each serving for a little extra kick.



Recipe: California Prune Glogg
Glogg, a classic Scandinavian mulled wine, is the ultimate winter warmer. Traditionally made with red wine, spices, and a splash of brandy, this version takes it up a notch with California prunes for a hint of natural sweetness. The result is a cozy, aromatic drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly nights by the fire. It’s easy to make and fills your home with the festive scents of cinnamon, ginger, and citrus. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of almonds and raisins for an extra special touch—cheers to a cozy winter!
Ingredients:

- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (something bold like a California Cabernet or Zinfandel)
- 1 cup California Prunes
- 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Sliced almonds, for serving (optional)
- Aquavit, optional
Instructions:
- Heat the Base: In a large pot, combine the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the chopped California prunes, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger slices. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Wine & Orange: Pour in the red wine and add the orange zest and juice. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture heat gently—do not let it boil, or you’ll lose the alcohol and some of that rich flavor.
- Rest: Turn off the heat and let the Glogg sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Strain & Serve: Add a few raisins or almonds to each glass if desired. Strain out the spices and prunes, then ladle the Glogg into mugs. Serve warm, with an extra cinnamon stick, a wine-soaked prune, or an orange slice for garnish.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Why California Prunes?
You might be wondering: why add prunes to Glogg? Well, they add a layer of natural sweetness that complements the red wine and spices perfectly. California Prunes are particularly rich and tender, with a flavor that’s more complex than your average dried fruit. As they simmer with the wine, they release their natural sugars into the mix, adding depth without the need for too much additional sugar. Plus, they help thicken the Glogg just slightly, making for a more luscious, velvety sip. Whatever you do, don’t toss the wine-soaked prunes. They make the perfect garnish for your glogg – or taste delicious on top of homemade ice cream.
A Few Tips for the Perfect Glogg
- Use a Good Wine: You don’t need to break the bank, but a decent bottle of red wine makes all the difference here. Look for something with bold, fruity flavors like a California Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel.
- Adjust to Your Sweetness Level: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your liking. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if you like it sweeter. Just remember, the prunes will add some natural sweetness as well.
- Keep It Warm, Not Hot: Glogg is all about gentle heating. Avoid letting it come to a boil, or you’ll cook off the alcohol and some of that beautiful, warming aroma.

Glogg: A Drink with Tradition and a Twist
Whether you’re cozying up solo with a good book or hosting a holiday gathering, Glogg is the perfect way to bring some Scandinavian warmth into your life. With the addition of California Prunes, this version gets an extra boost of natural sweetness, balancing out the spices and making each sip more complex than the last. It’s like a mulled wine that went to grad school—and graduated with honors in Cozy Chemistry.
So, grab a pot, some wine, and a handful of California Prunes, and get ready to make your home smell like a winter wonderland. Serve it up with some gluten-free ginger cookies, and I promise, it’ll be love at first sip.
And if you try this recipe, let me know—did it turn your living room into a Scandinavian lodge? Did you drink it all before your guests even arrived? No judgment here, just Glogg-induced warmth and good vibes. Happy sipping!
More Wintry Tipples to Try
- Celery + Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail with Gin
- An Easy Cocktail Recipe for Holiday Parties
- The Oliveto Cocktail
Did you make this cozy Glogg recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!

The Coziest Glogg Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (something fruit forward like a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel)
- 1 cup California Prunes
- 1/2 cup sugar or to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
- Sliced almonds for serving (optional)
- Aquavit optional
Instructions
- Heat the Base: In a large pot, combine the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the chopped California prunes, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger slices. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Wine & Orange: Pour in the red wine and add the orange zest and juice. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture heat gently—do not let it boil, or you’ll lose the alcohol and some of that rich flavor.
- Rest: Turn off the heat and let the Glogg sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Strain & Serve: Add a few raisins or almonds to each glass, along with a spash of aquavit if desired. Strain out the spices and prunes, then ladle the Glogg into mugs. Serve warm, with an extra cinnamon stick, a wine-soaked prune, or an orange slice for garnish.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Nutrition
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