Glögi Tea Review: A Taste of Traditional Finnish Spiced Tea with Nordqvist

There is something magical about the arrival of winter in Scandinavia. The cold winds, the early darkness, and the scent of spices wafting from kitchen windows all signal the start of the glögi season. Glögi, the traditional Finnish mulled drink, is a cherished part of Christmas celebrations. While many associate it with wine or juice, a tea-based version offers a gentle, caffeine-controlled alternative that still delivers the same festive warmth. In this review, we explore how Nordqvist’s exceptional teas can be used to create an authentic and satisfying glögi experience at home.

Instead of a single pre-mixed glögi tea, Nordqvist provides a wonderful selection of high-quality black teas and herbal infusions that serve as perfect bases for your own spiced creation. We tested two standout products: the robust and smooth Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags for a convenient everyday cup, and the luxurious CLASSIC China Golden Yunnan 50 g for a premium loose-leaf experience. Both capture the deep, malty notes essential for a traditional Finnish glögi.

What Makes a Great Glögi Tea?

Traditional glögi is characterised by a rich, slightly sweet base, enhanced with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, and often a hint of citrus. When adapting this for tea, the base tea must be bold enough to stand up to the spices without being overshadowed. Black teas with full body and natural sweetness work exceptionally well. That is why we turned to Nordqvist’s classic black teas. Their carefully sourced leaves provide the perfect canvas for layering festive flavours.

In our tests, the Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags proved to be an excellent workhorse. Its brisk, balanced character holds its own when simmered with orange peel and a cinnamon stick. For a more nuanced cup, the CLASSIC China Golden Yunnan 50 g offers a gentle honey-like sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel that beautifully complements the spice blend. Both teas maintain their integrity without becoming bitter, a common pitfall when making spiced tea from lower-quality leaves.

• Choose a full-bodied black tea like Ceylon or Yunnan for best results.
• Add spices directly to the brewing pot – cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and fresh ginger work wonderfully.
• Sweeten with a touch of honey or brown sugar just before serving to mimic traditional glögi’s sweetness.

Nordqvist Teas as Glögi Bases: Tasting Notes

We brewed both teas according to package directions (100°C water, 3-5 minutes) and then added a classic glögi spice mix: one cinnamon stick, three whole cloves, two crushed cardamom pods, a slice of fresh ginger, and a strip of orange zest. After steeping for an additional 5 minutes, we strained and tasted. The Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags delivered a lively, crisp cup with a pleasing astringency that cut through the spices, making it ideal for a quick, comforting mug on a chilly afternoon.

The CLASSIC China Golden Yunnan 50 g, on the other hand, transformed into a velvety, almost dessert-like drink. Its natural hints of chocolate and malt married beautifully with the cardamom and ginger, creating a rounded, warming experience suitable for after-dinner sipping. For those who prefer a caffeine-free option, we also experimented with the Moomin Forest Berry & Hibiscus tea, which lends a tart, fruity profile reminiscent of berry-based glögi. That blend works well as a party punch base, though it is less traditional in spice character.

How to Prepare Your Own Glögi Tea at Home

Making glögi tea from Nordqvist’s loose-leaf or bagged teas is remarkably simple. Start by brewing a strong concentrate using 2-3 teaspoons of loose tea (or 2-3 tea bags) per cup of water. While the tea steeps, gently warm your spices in a small saucepan with a splash of water to release their oils. Then combine the steeped tea with the spices and let it infuse for another 5 minutes over low heat – do not boil. Strain and serve in heatproof glasses with a slice of dried orange and a few raisins or almonds on the side for authenticity.

For a larger batch, such as for a holiday gathering, multiply the quantities and use the same technique. The Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags are particularly convenient here – just toss a handful into a teapot with hot water and spices. We found that this method yields a consistent, crowd-pleasing drink. To turn it into a festive mocktail, add a splash of apple juice or non-alcoholic mulled wine base. The key is to let the tea shine while the spices play a supporting role.

• Use 2-3 tea bags per cup for a stronger base that can handle spices.
• Always add spices after initial steeping to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
• Serve with traditional glögi garnishes: slivered almonds, raisins, and a cinnamon stick.

Why Nordqvist Teas Are Ideal for Festive Blends

Nordqvist’s commitment to quality is evident in every cup. Their teas are sourced from renowned estates and packed with care, ensuring freshness and vibrant flavour. The Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags use classic Ceylon leaves that offer a clean, brisk profile – perfect for absorbing the complexity of Christmas spices without losing identity. Meanwhile, the CLASSIC China Golden Yunnan 50 g showcases the artistry of Chinese black tea production, with golden tips that signal its premium grade. Both teas have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them excellent pantry staples for spontaneous glögi cravings.

Additionally, Nordqvist offers a Tea Advent Calendar that allows you to discover new flavours throughout December. While not a glögi tea per se, it is a delightful way to explore the range before committing to a full-size purchase. For those who want a ready-made spiced experience, the Moomin Forest Berry & Hibiscus tea brings a sweet-tart berry note that can be served hot with a squeeze of orange. Paired with a little imagination, any of these products can be transformed into a Nordic-inspired winter warmer.

Whether you are hosting a Finnish-themed hygge evening or simply yearning for a spiced mug of comfort, Nordqvist’s black teas provide the ideal foundation for authentic glögi. We recommend starting with the convenient Black Traditional Ceylon - 100 Tea Bags for daily enjoyment, or elevating your ritual with the exquisite CLASSIC China Golden Yunnan 50 g. Both are available now at the Nordqvist Tea House – perfect for adding a Scandinavian touch to your holiday season.