Traditional Winter Beverages in Sweden: Warming Drinks for the Cold Season

When winter settles over Sweden, with crisp air, snowy landscapes, and early sunsets, warm beverages become an essential part of the season. From Christmas markets to cozy evenings at home, traditional Swedish winter drinks bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of festive spirit. These beverages blend seasonal spices, rich flavors, and centuries of Scandinavian culinary tradition.

Glögg: The Heart of Swedish Winter

No drink is more iconic in Sweden during winter than glögg, a spiced, mulled wine enjoyed throughout Advent and Christmas. Similar to mulled wine found across Europe, Swedish glögg stands out for its bold spices and optional mix-ins.

• Ingredients: Red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and often orange peel. Many versions include sugar, brandy, or vodka for extra warmth.

• Serving Tradition: Glögg is typically served warm (around 65–70°C), accompanied by raisins and blanched almonds added to the cup. It’s often paired with pepparkakor (ginger snaps) or lussekatter (saffron buns).

• Varieties: You’ll find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, as well as white wine or fruit-based glögg.

Glögg gatherings are a beloved winter social ritual, bringing friends together to enjoy festive treats.

Varm Choklad: Cozy Swedish Hot Chocolate

Varm choklad, or hot chocolate, is especially popular among children and skiers enjoying a winter day outdoors. Swedish hot chocolate tends to be rich and comforting rather than overly sweet.

• Preparation: Made with real cocoa or dark chocolate melted into hot milk.

• Typical Additions: Whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For adults, a splash of arrak, rum, or baileys can be added.

• Serve around 60–70°C for the best creamy texture.

It’s often enjoyed after a day of skiing or ice skating, making it both nostalgic and restorative.

Julmust: A Seasonal Soft Drink

Perhaps one of the most uniquely Swedish winter beverages is julmust, a non-alcoholic, spiced soda traditionally consumed during Christmas.

• Flavor Profile: Dark, sweet, slightly malty, and lightly spiced—somewhat like root beer or malt soda.

• Seasonal Exclusivity: Although you can sometimes find it year-round, julmust dominates winter, especially December, when it temporarily outsells Coca-Cola in Sweden.

Families often enjoy julmust at Christmas dinners alongside ham, meatballs, and holiday sausages.

Kaffe: The Essential Warm Companion

While coffee is enjoyed year-round in Sweden, it becomes even more essential in winter. Swedes are among the world’s highest consumers of coffee, and winter fika (coffee breaks with pastries) is a treasured tradition.

• Style: Typically strong, black filter coffee.

• Often paired with lussekatter, kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), or winter pastries.

• Served hot, usually around 70–80°C.

During festive gatherings, coffee may accompany servings of glögg later in the evening.

Varm Äppelmust: Warm Spiced Apple Cider

Warm apple cider, or varm äppelmust, is another winter favorite, especially for those who want a non-alcoholic drink filled with seasonal flavors.

• How It’s Made: Apple juice or pressed apple cider heated with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and sometimes star anise or ginger.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve warm (around 60°C) with a slice of orange or apple floating on top.

This drink is especially common in cozy cafés and winter markets.

Te: Herbal and Scandinavian Blends

Tea may not be uniquely Swedish, but herbal blends with Nordic flavors become especially popular in winter.

Common winter teas include:

• Sea buckthorn tea — tart and vitamin-rich

• Lingonberry herbal blends

• Mint and spruce-needle infusions

• Chai-inspired spiced black teas

Served steaming hot, tea provides both warmth and seasonal aroma.

Conclusion

Swedish winter beverages are more than just drinks—they're an expression of seasonal tradition and togetherness. Whether you’re sipping warm spiced glögg at a Christmas market, enjoying a fika with hot coffee and pastries, or warming your hands around a mug of rich hot chocolate, these drinks are designed to bring comfort through the long, cold months.

From festive gatherings to quiet snowy evenings, Swedish winter beverages turn the season into something cozy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.