Description
Wassail brings warmth to winter gatherings with its spiced apple cider tradition from medieval England. Rich mulled beverage combines sweet and tangy flavors you’ll savor during festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Liquid Ingredients:
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) apple cider
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) orange juice
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) lemon juice
Fruits and Spices:
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 large apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 1 star anise (optional)
Sweetener and Optional Alcohol:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) rum or brandy (optional, for an alcoholic version)
Instructions
- Pour apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon juice into a large pot or slow cooker, creating a vibrant liquid base.
- Gently layer brown sugar, orange and apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise into the liquid mixture.
- Gradually heat the concoction over medium temperature, stirring periodically to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent scorching.
- Once the liquid reaches a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and allow the wassail to steep for 30-60 minutes, enabling the spices and fruits to infuse their aromatic essences.
- For a clearer beverage, carefully strain out the whole spices and fruit pieces using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Optional: Enhance the wassail with a splash of rum or brandy moments before serving to create a spirited version of the traditional drink.
- Ladle the warm wassail into festive mugs, adorning each with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Spice Flexibility: Adjust whole spices based on personal taste preferences or availability in your pantry.
- Sweetness Control: Modify brown sugar quantity to suit different sweetness levels, using honey or maple syrup as alternative natural sweeteners.
- Alcohol Options: Experiment with various spirits like bourbon, whiskey, or spiced rum for unique flavor variations.
- Dietary Adaptation: Create non-alcoholic version by simply omitting rum or brandy, making it family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg