Ingredients
1 bottle red wine (robust red blends tend to work best)
1/4 cup sugar or to taste depending on wine
2 tablespoons orange zest (orange peel)
1 tablespoon cardamom pods crushed (could be less if they are fresh)
2 tablespoons ginger – optional (fresh root, cut in a few pieces)
1 stick cinnamon
8 cloves
1 1/2 cup of vodka – less vodka for less flame
Raisins
Almonds (blanched and chopped) for serving
1) Soak raisins in vodka for as long as possible.
2) Combine the wine, sugar, orange peel, cardamom pods, slices of ginger root, cinnamon stick, and cloves into a 2 to 3-quart pot. Heat to 175 F (77 C) and let simmer for 2 minutes.
3) Remove from heat and let stand for at least 1 hour. Low heat – long time, better Gløgg! You can place in barely warm oven if needed.
4) Taste to ensure spices are infused into the wine and right amount of sweetness reached.
5) Strain out spices.
6) Gently reheat to 175 F (77 C).
7) Add vodka and raisin mixture right before serving.
8) Immediately cover and prepare to serve.
9) Light lighter, remove cover and light evaporating alcohol.
10) Serve with raisons and almonds.