Finnish Christmas Mulled Wine, called jouluglögi, is a traditional Finnish drink that warms the heart and home during the holiday season. This festive drink blends berry juice with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and fresh citrus. Served steaming hot, it fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and makes a perfect addition to any chilly day.
A Classic Finnish Holiday Tradition
Jouluglögi is a cherished part of Finnish Christmas celebrations. Guests are often welcomed with a cup as they arrive, creating an instant sense of warmth and festive cheer. Every household has its own version: some keep it mild and fruity, while others make it extra spiced. I normally make it without alcohol, but many prepare both non-alcoholic and adult versions so everyone can enjoy a cup of this warming holiday mulled wine the way they prefer.
This jouluglögi recipe uses concentrated berry juices, water, warming spices, and fresh orange zest. As the mixture gently simmers, the spices bloom, the ginger brightens, and the berries deepen into a rich, ruby-red drink. After straining, serve it with whole almonds and raisins, which soften in the glögi and add a delicate sweetness to every sip.
How to Serve Jouluglögi
Finnish glögi is perfect during Advent, at Christmas markets, before holiday meals, or on quiet December evenings. It pairs beautifully with Finnish holiday baking, from piparkakut (gingerbread cookies) to pulla, Christmas pastries, or anything lightly sweet. It also goes well with cheese and savory biscuits, making it a versatile festive drink. You can even bring it along when visiting friends or hosting a cozy gathering.
Turning Jouluglögi Into Mulled Wine
For a warming adult version of jouluglögi, add 2 dl of red wine to the finished glögi and heat gently, without boiling, to preserve the flavor. Another option is to pour 1–2 tablespoons of vodka or another spirit directly into each glass when serving. This keeps the main batch family-friendly while giving adults a stronger, spiced holiday mulled wine.
Looking for More Finnish Holiday Recipes?
Gingerbread Cookies: https://cookingwithella.com/finnish-gingerbread-cookies/
Seed Crispbread: https://cookingwithella.com/crispy-seed-crispbread-crunchy-nordic-classic/
Cinnamon Rolls (Pulla): https://cookingwithella.com/finnish-cinnamon-rolls/
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Finnish Christmas Mulled Wine (Jouluglögi)
Ingredients
Glögi:
- 1 liter water
- 1.5 dl lingonberry juice concentrate
- 1.5 dl blackcurrant juice concentrate
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 3 tsp grated orange zest
- Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar optional, add if the juice concentrates are unsweetened
For Serving:
- Whole almonds
- Raisins
Instructions
- Grate the orange zest or peel into thin strips with a knife.
- Peel and slice the ginger.
- Lightly crush the cloves and cardamom in a mortar to release more flavor.
- Add all the spices, orange zest, water, and juice concentrates to a saucepan.
- Simmer gently with the lid on for about 15 minutes.
- Taste and add brown sugar if needed.
- Strain and serve hot with whole almonds and raisins.
