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Traditional Wassail

A comforting, hot spiced apple-citrus drink infused with whole warming spices, perfect for cold weather gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 cups 64 ounces apple cider, unfiltered preferred
  • 2 cups orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 medium orange sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Slice the orange into thin rounds and set aside; juice additional oranges and lemons to obtain the required orange and lemon juice, discarding seeds.
  2. In a large stockpot (6-quart capacity), combine the apple cider, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lemon juice; stir to blend.
  3. Add the brown sugar and stir over medium heat until fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, sliced ginger, and star anise into the pot; optionally tie small spices in cheesecloth for easy removal.
  5. Float the orange slices on top of the liquid and grate the nutmeg directly into the pot.
  6. Bring the mixture slowly to a gentle simmer over medium heat (small bubbles around the edges), 10 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to infuse.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, adding a little more brown sugar to preference.
  9. Strain the wassail through a fine-mesh strainer to remove spices and orange slices.
  10. Serve hot in mugs, garnishing each cup with a fresh cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired; keep warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting for gatherings.

Notes

For deeper spice flavor, toast the whole spices in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding. The drink can be prepared up to 3 days in advance; cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently without boiling.