Norwegian Gluige(Holiday After-Dinner Drink Served In Cordial Glasses)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Norwegian

A warming Norwegian holiday after-dinner cordial with rich port wine, rye whiskey, and aromatic spices, perfect for festive celebrations and to be prepared well in advance.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 quarts port wine
  • 1 quart Seagrams rye whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds
  • 6-inch cinnamon stick
  • 6 whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Combine port wine and spices in a large soup pot.
  2. Heat on the stove. Light the wine with a match to ignite.
  3. Sprinkle sugar over the flames.
  4. Cover the pot to extinguish the flames.
  5. Add the rye whiskey.
  6. Cool the mixture and bottle it.
  7. Prepare at least one month before Christmas for optimal flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a unique twist on this classic drink, consider infusing the rye whiskey with additional spices like star anise or nutmeg. You can also reduce the sugar to suit your taste, or use a natural sweetener like honey. Be cautious when igniting the wine; always keep a fire extinguisher nearby for safety. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use a combination of spiced grape juice and non-alcoholic whiskey substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gluige in small cordial glasses to highlight its rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with holiday treats like Sopaipillas(Fried Bread With Honey) or spiced cookies. For a festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel. This drink is perfect as a warming after-dinner treat during holiday gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store the bottled Gluige in a cool, dark place. It improves with age, so let it sit for at least a month before serving. If you have leftovers, ensure the bottle is sealed tightly to maintain flavor. There’s no need to reheat; serve it chilled or at room temperature in cordial glasses for an optimal experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Norwegian Gluige(Holiday After-Dinner Drink Served In Cordial Glasses) contains roughly 576 calories, with 10g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

576 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 116.6g 42% DV
Fiber 21.2g 76% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 52mg 2% DV
Potassium 1371.6mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 171.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 133.4mg 10% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Gluige ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's best when prepared at least one month before Christmas, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can bottle it and store it in a cool, dark place until you're ready to serve.

What can I substitute for port wine?

If you don’t have port wine, you can use a ruby or tawny sherry as an alternative. Sweet red wine or even a mixture of red wine and a splash of brandy can also work well, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic Gluige by using spiced grape juice or a similar non-alcoholic red beverage. Add the spices as per the recipe and allow it to steep to enhance the flavor profile. Just remember, it won't have the same depth as the original.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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