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A steaming mug of Christmas Wassail garnished with fresh apple slices, orange rounds, and a star anise pod, surrounded by holiday decor.

Christmas Wassail: A Warm and Spiced Holiday Drink


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40-70 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. In a large pot or slow cooker, pour the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 2: Heat the Wassail

  1. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. 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

  1. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and any pulp from the liquid.
  2. Ladle the hot wassail into mugs or heatproof glasses.

4: Garnish and Enjoy

  1. 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