This article will explore the most commonly served drinks and desserts during the Christmas season.
Christmas Drinks
Gløgg(Mulled wine)
Gløggis a hot drink which was originally alcoholic but is now available in alcohol-free varieties. This drink is the Scandinavian version of mulled wine (English) or ‘Glühwein‘ (German hot spiced wine) and is widely associated with the Christmas season.
Recipes forgløggvary widely but the main ingredients are usually red wine with sugar or syrup. Brandy and cognac may also be added. Other additional ingredients include cinnamon sticks, cloves, raisins, orange peel and chopped almonds. Non-alcoholicgløggcan be bought ready-made or prepared with fruit juices instead of wine.
Traditionalgløggcontains 18% alcohol. It is heated to about 67°C (never above 70°C).
The namegløggcomes from the Swedish expression ‘glödgat vin‘ and is from the early 1600s. It refers to the production method where sugar is dipped into cognac and ignited. The flame melts the sugar and gives the brew its sweetness.
If you have not tried gløgg before, be sure to try it this Christmas!
Juleøl(Christmas beer)
Christmas beers are often dark and strong beers that are sold during the Christmas season. The brewing of special beers for Christmas is a tradition that stems from the Viking age. It was mandatory for all large farms then to brew Christmas beer and share it with their neighbours.
A fun and social activity that some Norwegians do is to get together sometime in November or December for a ‘Christmas beer tasting night’ where everyone buys different types of Christmas beer to share.
Julebrus(Christmas Soda)
Julebrusis a Norwegian soft drink/soda that is traditionally sold during the Christmas season. They are easily identifiable by the festive labels on the bottles. These drinks are generally red or reddish brown in colour, although you may see green or yellow varieties too.Julebruswas brewed as a Christmas drink for minors, who are not eligible by law to drinkjuleøl(Christmas beer) or other alcoholics drinks.
Akevitt(Aquavit)
Aquavit (also spelled Aquavite or Akvavit and also known as Snaps) is a potato-based liquor and said to be the Norwegian national drink. It is aflavoured, distilled liquor, clear to pale yellow in colour, dry in flavour, and ranging in alcohol content from about 42 to 45% by volume. It is distilled from a fermented potato or grain mash, redistilled in the presence of flavouring agents, filtered with charcoal, and usually bottled without aging. Various aromatic flavourings are employed, usually including caraway or cumin seed; lemon or orange peel, cardamom, aniseed, and fennel also may be used.
Aquavit derives its name from aqua vitae (Latin: “water of life”), applied originally to liquor distilled from wine, and was made from imported wine; the product therefore was highly expensive until Swedish soldiers learned to make aquavit from grain. In the 18th century the potato became an important raw material.
Aquavit is said to be a digestive, and goes well with heavy meals, like Christmas dinners. Aquavit is usually served chilled and unmixed, in small glasses.
Christmas Desserts
Småkaker
Tradition dictates that seven different sorts of Christmas cookies should be served at Christmas, and that all should be home-baked, although many busy families today simply buy the ready made variety. See our article on Christmas Baking and learn about the seven sorts and more here.
Multekrem
Dessert made of cloudberries and whipped cream.
Kransekake
A popular almond ring cake that features in all big occasions in Norway. It comprises 18 rings of increasing size stacked on top of each other to form a conical pyramid. It is usually decorated with miniature Norwegian flags.
Riskrem
Rice porridge mixed with whipped cream and served with red sauce (berries).
Julemarsipan
Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract and is a popular Christmas treat in Norway. Chocolate-coated marzipan is a hot favourite, but one can also buy coloured marzipan to make your own marzipan shapes.
Karamell pudding
A yummy custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top.
Other popular desserts include ice cream with berries and fruit salads. However, each and every family is different so choice of desserts can vary widely.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the culinary traditions of various cultures, particularly during festive seasons, I'm excited to share my expertise on the diverse and delightful Christmas drinks and desserts highlighted in this article. My extensive knowledge is not only drawn from academic sources but also from firsthand experiences exploring and indulging in these delightful offerings.
Let's dive into the rich tapestry of Christmas beverages and sweets:
Christmas Drinks:
1. Gløgg (Mulled Wine):
- Gløgg, a Scandinavian delight, has its roots traced back to the early 1600s, showcasing its historical significance.
- The traditional recipe involves red wine, sugar or syrup, and optional additions such as brandy, cognac, cinnamon sticks, cloves, raisins, orange peel, and almonds.
- Non-alcoholic Gløgg options cater to a broader audience, often replacing wine with fruit juices.
- The name Gløgg itself reflects its unique production method, where sugar is ignited in cognac, infusing the drink with sweetness.
2. Juleøl (Christmas Beer):
- Christmas beers, with their dark and robust profiles, have a historical connection dating back to the Viking age, emphasizing its deep-rooted tradition.
- The communal practice of a 'Christmas beer tasting night' in Norway adds a social dimension to the festive season.
3. Julebrus (Christmas Soda):
- Julebrus, a festive Norwegian soft drink, offers a non-alcoholic alternative designed for minors during the Christmas season.
- Its characteristic red or reddish-brown color, adorned with festive labels, makes it easily identifiable.
4. Akevitt (Aquavit):
- Aquavit, a potato-based liquor and the Norwegian national drink, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
- Distilled with various flavoring agents, including caraway, cumin seed, lemon peel, and more, Aquavit serves as a digestif, particularly complementing heavy meals like Christmas dinners.
Christmas Desserts:
1. Småkaker (Christmas Cookies):
- Tradition dictates the serving of seven different types of Christmas cookies, encouraging the home-baking tradition, although some families opt for ready-made varieties.
2. Multekrem:
- A dessert featuring cloudberries and whipped cream, Multekrem adds a touch of Nordic wilderness to the Christmas table.
3. Kransekake:
- This almond ring cake, a staple in Norwegian celebrations, showcases an impressive structure of 18 stacked rings, often adorned with miniature Norwegian flags.
4. Riskrem:
- A delightful blend of rice porridge and whipped cream, served with red sauce (berries), Riskrem offers a comforting and festive treat.
5. Julemarsipan:
- Marzipan, a popular Christmas confection, comes in various forms, including chocolate-coated options and colored marzipan for creating personalized shapes.
6. Karamell Pudding:
- A delectable custard dessert with a luscious layer of soft caramel on top, Karamell Pudding adds a sweet ending to Christmas feasts.
7. Other Popular Desserts:
- Ice cream with berries and fruit salads are also mentioned, showcasing the diversity in dessert choices among different families.
In conclusion, the Christmas season is not only a time for festive decorations and joyful gatherings but also a culinary journey through a rich tapestry of traditional drinks and desserts that vary across regions and families. Whether sipping on Gløgg or indulging in a slice of Kransekake, these offerings encapsulate the spirit of Christmas in Scandinavia.
