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Wassail Drink Holiday: A Festive Guide to the Perfect Wassail

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Warm, festive spiced apple cider and red wine wassail, simmered with oranges, apples, and aromatic spices for a cozy and comforting holiday drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brandy (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 2 oranges, studded with cloves (approx. 15–20 cloves per orange)
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Star anise for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oranges: Stud the oranges with cloves by poking holes and inserting cloves into each hole.
  2. Slice the Apples: Core and slice the apples into wedges or rounds.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine apple cider, red wine, orange juice, lemon juice, brandy (if using), studded oranges, sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste and adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup as needed.
  6. Remove from Heat: Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the pot from the heat.
  7. Strain (Optional): Strain the wassail through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for a smoother drink.
  8. Serve: Ladle warm wassail into mugs, including some of the spiced apples and oranges.
  9. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with star anise or a cinnamon stick.
  10. Enjoy: Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Wine: Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Pinot Noir or a dry white wine like Chardonnay can also be used.
  • Cider: You can use regular apple cider or hard apple cider. If using hard cider, reduce the amount of red wine accordingly.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference.
  • Spices: Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
  • Make Ahead: Wassail can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Omit the red wine and brandy. Replace the red wine with more apple cider or grape juice.
  • Storage: Store leftover wassail in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/wassail-drink-holiday/