Wassail

Wassail is a traditional hot spiced punch, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or for festive gatherings during the holiday season. Its rich blend of flavors, including apple cider, spices, and citrus, creates a delightful concoction that’s sure to please your taste buds and spread holiday cheer.

Tasting Notes

Wassail boasts a harmonious balance of sweetness from the apple cider, warmth from the spices, and a hint of tanginess from the citrus fruits. It’s a comforting and aromatic drink that pairs wonderfully with cozy gatherings and winter festivities.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon (128 fl oz) apple cider
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Optional: 1 cup rum or brandy (for an alcoholic version)

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or slow cooker
• Ladle
• Serving mugs or glasses
• Strainer (if using whole spices)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
2. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, and ground nutmeg to the pot.
4. Place the orange and lemon slices into the mixture.
5. If you’re making an alcoholic version, pour in the rum or brandy.
6. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat on the stove or set the slow cooker to low.
7. Let the wassail simmer for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
8. Once ready, remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice using a strainer or ladle.
9. Serve the wassail hot in mugs or glasses, garnishing with additional citrus slices if desired.

Pro Tips

• For a richer flavor, allow the wassail to simmer for a longer period, but be careful not to let it boil.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Experiment with different types of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lime, for unique flavor profiles.
• Keep the wassail warm throughout your gathering by leaving it in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

Variations

• Spiked Wassail: Increase the amount of rum or brandy for a stronger alcoholic kick.
• Cranberry Wassail: Add 1-2 cups of cranberry juice for a tart twist on the classic recipe.
• Ginger Wassail: Infuse the wassail with fresh ginger slices for a spicy kick.

FAQs