This Christmas Wassail is a comforting blend of apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices, perfect for filling your home with holiday aromas. Garnished with fresh apple and orange slices, it’s a festive, crowd-pleasing drink ideal for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients:
For the Wassail:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 star anise (optional, for garnish)
- 1 apple, sliced into rounds (for garnish)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds (for garnish)
Preparation:
1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large pot or slow cooker, pour the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
2: Heat the Wassail
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the wassail simmer for 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours.
3: Strain and Serve
- Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and any pulp from the liquid.
- Ladle the hot wassail into mugs or heatproof glasses.
4: Garnish and Enjoy
- Garnish each serving with a slice of apple, a slice of orange, and a star anise pod for a festive touch.
Cooking Notes:
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding or omitting the brown sugar.
- Whole Spices: Use whole spices where possible for easy removal and a cleaner finish.
- Slow Cooker Option: Set your slow cooker to low and simmer the wassail for 2-4 hours, making it perfect for holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Gatherings: Serve in a large punch bowl or directly from a slow cooker set to “warm.”
- Festive Accompaniment: Pair with gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, or holiday pies.
- Gifting Idea: Package the dry spices with a small jar of brown sugar and a recipe card for a thoughtful DIY gift.
Tips:
- Enhance the aroma: Add fresh ginger slices or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the wassail up to a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.
- Keep it warm: For long events, keep the wassail warm in a slow cooker or insulated beverage dispenser.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30-60 minutes
Total Time:
40-70 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh apple juice instead of cider?
A: Yes, fresh apple juice can be substituted for apple cider. It will have a slightly lighter flavor.
Q: Can I store leftover wassail?
A: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I add additional spices?
A: Feel free to experiment with cardamom, fennel seeds, or a dash of cayenne for a unique flavor profile.
Q: Is wassail suitable for kids?
A: Yes, the non-alcoholic version is perfect for children and offers a warm, spiced alternative to hot cocoa.
Conclusion:
This Christmas Wassail is a classic holiday drink that captures the warmth and cheer of the season. Its sweet and spiced flavors, combined with fresh citrus and apple, make it the perfect beverage to serve at festive gatherings or enjoy while cozying up at home. With its inviting aroma and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition. Cheers!
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Christmas Wassail: A Warm and Spiced Holiday Drink
- Total Time: 40-70 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Wassail:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 star anise (optional, for garnish)
- 1 apple, sliced into rounds (for garnish)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large pot or slow cooker, pour the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 2: Heat the Wassail
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the wassail simmer for 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours.
3: Strain and Serve
- Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and any pulp from the liquid.
- Ladle the hot wassail into mugs or heatproof glasses.
4: Garnish and Enjoy
- Garnish each serving with a slice of apple, a slice of orange, and a star anise pod for a festive touch.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding or omitting the brown sugar.
- Whole Spices: Use whole spices where possible for easy removal and a cleaner finish.
- Slow Cooker Option: Set your slow cooker to low and simmer the wassail for 2-4 hours, making it perfect for holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 0g