Glogg, which means "glow", derives its name from the glow which is created during the burning of the sugar over the drink, and the warm glow which it creates when imbibed.

It is a traditionally served in the Swedish Christmas punch bowl and is appreciated as well by Danes and Finns as it helps to warm the cold climates during the long dark Winter season.

It is often made exclusively of dry red wine, with the most potent ingredient, Aquavit, being omitted. Glogg spices, pre-mixed in convenient packages accompanied by instructions are sold in many Scandinavian delicatessen stores, but if you're not shopping in Nordic climes this Winter, it's easy to prepare your own using the recipe given here.

1 bottle Claret, Burgundy, or other dry red wine
10 cardamom seeds
5 whole cloves
3 pieces fresh or dried orange peel
4 dried figs
1 1/2" cinnamon stick
1 cup raisins
1/2 lb. sugar cubes
1 cup blanched slivered almonds

In a large decorative kettle, pour Claret, or wine. Add whole cardamom seeds, and orange peel. Poke holes into the figs with the cloves and insert them. Add the cloved figs, cinnamon sticks, and raisins. Stir in the almonds. Cover and simmer over low heat until the mixture just begins to boil, then remove from heat. Carry the kettle away from the stove.

Place sugar cubes into an all metal sieve which has a long handle. Wearing a silicone hot mitt or other long-armed oven mitt, dip the sugar cubes into the hot liquid to moisten them. Light sugar with a match and allow to burn. Continue dipping sieve into liquid until sugar has melted completely into the glogg.

Cover kettle if you need to put out the flame and when you are done. Put mixture through the sieve to strain. Cool.

Keep in closed bottles.

Heat glogg before serving, but do not boil. Serve hot in wine glasses with a few raisins and almonds in each glass.

WARNING: Flaming alcohol can be dangerous! Never attempt this anywhere near a stove, especially one with a gas burner. Consider practice tests outdoors in a safe place where there are no children or pets until you become familiar with this technique, or alternatively, skip the step where the alcohol is lit and simply dissolve the sugar in the drink.

This can be prepared and served successfully using a Crock-Pot.