~ A Warmer Upper ~ Recipe

How to make it

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• When you acquire your spirits...make sure they are good spirits...for the sums will be no better then its parts.
• and...do not leave out the cardamom pods,for they are the secert ingredient.Lay the pods on a counter top and with the flat side of a knife,press down to crack the pod open so the flavor of the seeds will render forth,once the pods are cracked open,leave the seeds in the pods.
• To mix all the ingredients together,you will want a porcelain kettle,or a stainless steel container...for no matter how I love my copper,the spirits will take on a metallic taste if used for this particular brew.
• Pour in the wine,uisge beatha,brandy,cardamon pods,cloves,cinnamon sticks,and the orange peel,raisins,and almonds...cover and simmer.
• Some add the sugar with the wine,whisky,brandy,and spice mix...but if you take your time and soak the sugar in half of the brandy,and heat it in another container over a low flame until it becomes clear,and you continue to simmer for about thirty minutes,then this lovely syrup will start to caramelize and take on a layer of flavor that you will like.
• Add the sugar syrup to the spiced spirit mix,cover and have the heat low... simmer this heavenly for about an hour.
• This is a sweet drink,but you may want to taste and add more sugar,uisge beatha,or,brandy...but easy does it...you can always add more,but if you go over the top you can't get back under...so slow as it goes for the uisge beatha :o)
• Pour in the 'water of life'...the Aquavit,and you have already stoked the fire,so heat gently through,then light with a long hot poker,and let it burn down.
• Strain the spices,raisins,and almonds (but,save the raisins and almonds,for the raisins are wonderful in a panettone,plus the almonds can be roasted in a very low oven for about an hour and munched...
• You may serve the Glögg immediately...but aging really enhances the flavors.Just remember if you store this for later,say a year later,then be careful when you pour,you do not want the sediment that has rested in the bottom of the bottle.
• Serve a steaming hot mug with a twist of an orange peel slice.
• The body offers...Thanks!
• You will 'glow' with this sweet high octane beverage,as it warms the body and soul from the inside out,making you feel like you are in a full body blush :o)
• You may want to enjoy this in a slightly reclined position,for after a little while you may not be able to feel your feet...so keep them close by the heat..