Description
This comforting Wassail recipe is a warm, spiced fruit drink perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining apple cider, citrus concentrates, and a blend of aromatic spices, it simmers gently to create a deeply flavorful and festive beverage. Garnished with fresh fruits and herbs, this wassail is ideal for serving a crowd and can be easily doubled or stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids and Sugars
- 6 cups water
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate (half of a 12-fluid-ounce container)
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate (half of a 12-fluid-ounce container)
- 4 cups apple cider
Spices and Flavorings
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (about 10 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries (about 10 berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg (grated or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (or up to 1/2 teaspoon)
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 (1-inch) piece candied ginger
Fruits
- 1 large apple, sliced with skin on
- 1 large orange, cut into rounds with peel on
Garnishes
- Fresh cranberries
- Star anise
Instructions
- Combine Water and Sugars: Add 6 cups of water to a 6-quart pot along with 6 tablespoons of white sugar and 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar. Place the pot over high heat and stir occasionally while the sugars dissolve. You can begin adding other ingredients once the sugar is mostly dissolved, even before it reaches a boil.
- Add Fruit Concentrates: Open the frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrate containers. Add half of each (6 ounces each) into the pot. Store the remaining halves together in a ziplock bag in the freezer for future use.
- Incorporate Spices and Cider: Add 4 cups of apple cider, 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves, 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries, 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg), 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 4 cinnamon sticks, and the 1-inch piece of candied ginger to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Slice the apple with the peel on and wash the orange thoroughly before cutting it into rounds with peel intact. Add these fruit slices into the pot and stir thoroughly to distribute.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.
- Simmer for Flavor Development: Let the wassail heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For a spicier and more infused flavor, you can simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Strain Out Solids: Use a slotted spoon to remove the apple, orange slices, and all whole spices. For a clearer drink, pour the wassail through a mesh strainer or colander to remove any remaining solids or spice particles.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot wassail in mugs. Garnish with fresh cranberries, star anise, fresh rosemary, or fresh slices of cooked apple or orange, which are especially tasty when warmed in the drink.
- Storage and Leftover Tips: Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy. Leftover concentrates should be stored tightly sealed in the freezer for future batches.
Notes
- You can easily double this recipe using the other halves of frozen concentrates you save from this batch.
- Adjust the amount of cloves if you prefer less spiciness; halving to 5 cloves works well.
- Garnishes such as fresh rosemary or star anise enhance the presentation and aroma.
- Use a pot large enough to allow for simmering without boiling over, ideally a 6-quart or larger pot.
- This wassail keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be gently reheated.
