Shelly's Recipe

HOLIDAY GLOGG

Category: Beverages and Cocktails

1 cup vodka
2 cinnamon sticks
20 whole cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
2 small pieces peeled fresh ginger (about 2 inches by 1/2 inch each)
2 bottles dry red wine
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whole blanched almonds, for serving
Raisins, for serving
1 lemon, for serving

A day or two before serving, combine the vodka, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom and ginger in a jar. Let the vodka stand, covered, for 24 to 48 hours to infuse the flavors.

Just before serving, warm the wine in a large pot. Add the sugar and vanilla and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.

Strain the infused vodka into the wine and continue heating until the gloegg is hot. Do not let it boil. Serve the gloegg in small cups with a few blanched almonds and raisins. Zest one strip of lemon peel into each cup.