One of the ways we knew it was officially Fall was when Mom started simmering apples, oranges, and cinnamon on the stove in the evenings. Angie created this wassail in honor of that memory. It’s a spicy, delicious drink perfect for holiday gatherings – especially returning home from Christmas caroling!
Liquids
1 gal apple juice
8 oz orange juice concentrate
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
pinch of nutmeg
Spices
2 tsp whole cloves
3-4 cinnamon sticks
¼ cup cranberries
You will also need…
cheesecloth and very clean string or
a large metal-mesh tea ball
The better quality the ingredients are, the better the wassail will be (especially the juices): If you wouldn’t drink cheap juice it by itself, don’t use it in this recipe.
Place all ingredients except the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries in a large pot over medium heat. You can lid it at this point to help it heat faster. While the liquid warms up, place cloves, cinnamon, and cranberries in tea ball or wrap them in the cheesecloth and tie with string. You may need to break the cinnamon sticks in half. Add this to the pot. As soon as liquid comes to a boil, uncover the pot and adjust the heat to keep it at a bare simmer. Allow wassail to simmer for 5-10 minutes, then turn heat to low. Wassail can be served in mugs now, or can steep on low uncovered for up to an hour to develop deeper flavor. As you serve, keep an eye out for any escaped cloves, so they don’t make it into someone’s mug!
You can also toss all the ingredients and the tea ball or cheesecloth packet into a crock-pot and heat on low for 3-4 hours. This is also a great way to serve it for a party or large group, so it will stay warm throughout the event.
Yields: 12-16 servings
Time to make: 30 – 60 minutes on stove
Source: Angela Peterson Hoffman
Notes: If you like your wassail sweeter, try adding 4-6 oz cranberry juice concentrate. Can be served hot or cold.