Glögg

This bracing Swedish punch gets its kick from aquavit, a potent, potato-based liquor. The wine must steep with the spices for at least 12 hours before drinking, so begin your glögg a day ahead.

ingredient list

SERVES 4

• 3 whole cardamom pods
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger
• 1 3x1-inch piece orange peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bottle medium-bodied, dry red wine
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup whole, blanched almonds
• 1/4 cup aquavit, optional

Directions

1. Place cardamom pods into a heavy plastic bag, and crush them lightly with a rolling pin. Put cardamom, cloves, ginger, orange peel, cinnamon stick and wine into a nonreactive pitcher. Stir, cover and set aside in a cool place overnight.
2. Strain wine into a 2-quart, nonreactive saucepan, and stir in sugar. Before serving, bring it to a simmer, and stir in almonds and aquavit. Serve hot.