Glögg and more
Whether you’re looking for the right red at the end of a long day, or the perfect white to pair with your Christmas turkey, I’ve got you covered.
Pelee Island Pinot Noir, $10.95 — There’s nothing better than a glass of red wine at the end of a long winter day. This pinot noir will warm you up and provide instant relaxation. It’s medium bodied and fruity with a slightly tart aftertaste. This balanced flavour makes it an ideal red for any drinker. Have a glass alone with a great book in hand and fireplace roaring, or bring it to your holiday party.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, $19.95 — If you’re looking for a bottle to take to holiday dinners as a host gift, this is the wine for you. Being a white wine, it pairs perfectly with turkey, and its citrus-based flavour complements any holiday feast. Despite being an extra-dry white, it is both refreshing and vivid.
Glögg — Glögg is a drink that was first introduced to me by my Danish friend who had the recipe passed down to her from her grandmother. It’s a Nordic winter drink that each family has their own recipe for, but here’s a basic recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 litre bottle dry red wine
- 1.5 litre bottle American port
- 750 ml bottle brandy
- 2-4 Cinnamon sticks
- 15 cardamom seed pods
- 2 dozen whole cloves
- 1 orange peel, whole and washed
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1 cup blanched almonds
- 2 cups sugar
- Garnish with the peel of another orange
- Mix the wine, port, brandy, cinnamon sticks, seed pods, cloves, and orange peel, in a large saucepan made either of stainless-steel or porcelain (any other pot will give you a metallic taste), stirring occasionally. Heat on medium-high until it comes to a slight boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
- When you’re ready to drink it, reheat the mixture, but do not boil. Mix sugar to desired taste. Add raisins and almonds to individual servings.
