a song under the sugar sugar

Glögg

A Swedish elixir, deep ruby in color and fragrant with cold-weather spices.

* 2 bottles dry red wine
* 1 bottle sweet white wine
* 1 cup aquavit or vodka (optional)
* 1 tbsp bitters
* 1 lemon
* 1 orange
* 10 cloves
* 10 cardamom pods
* 3 cinnamon sticks
* 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 cup blanched almonds
* 1 cup sugar

Blend the wines together in a large saucepan. Squeeze the citrus juices into the wine. Scrape some lemon zest and orange zest from the citrus rinds and tie it in a piece of cheesecloth with the spices. Add the bundle to the wine, along with the raisins, almonds, and sugar. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer for about 15 minutes. When ready to serve, add the bitters and aquavit or vodka.

Serves 12. (Recipe via The New York Times)