Description
This classic wassail recipe is a warm, spiced holiday beverage perfect for gatherings. Combining apple cider, orange and lemonade concentrates, and a blend of fragrant spices, this comforting drink is simmered gently to marry all the flavors. Garnished with fresh cranberries and fruit slices, it promises a festive and cozy experience for up to 10 servings.
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, or 5 if less spicy)
- 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 and Garnishes
- 1 large apple, sliced with skin on
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds with skin on
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Star anise (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Sugars and Water: In a large 6-quart pot, pour 6 cups of water and add both white and dark brown sugars. Place over high heat and stir until the sugars mostly dissolve but before the mixture boils.
- Add Juice Concentrates: Open the frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrates. Add about half of each can to the pot. Store the remaining halves together in a freezer-safe bag for future use.
- Add Spices and Cider: Incorporate the apple cider, whole cloves, allspice berries, fresh or ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and the piece of candied ginger into the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Fruit Slices: Slice the apple with the skin on and wash and slice the orange into rounds, also leaving the skin intact. Add these fruit slices into the pot and stir thoroughly.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.
- Simmer and Infuse: Let the wassail simmer on medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For more intense spice flavor, simmer up to 2-3 hours.
- Remove Solids: Using a slotted spoon, remove the apple, orange slices, and all whole spices from the pot. For a clearer drink without any solids, strain the mixture through a mesh strainer or colander.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm wassail into mugs. Garnish with fresh cranberries, additional fruit slices, star anise, or fresh rosemary. Adding a cooked apple or orange slice to each mug enhances the presentation and flavor.
- Storage and Tips: Leftover concentrate halves can be frozen for future batches. Feel free to double the recipe to accommodate larger groups.
Notes
- Store remaining orange and lemonade concentrates together in a freezer bag for up to several weeks to make future wassail batches quickly.
- Simmering the wassail longer intensifies the spicy flavors; adjust according to taste.
- Using fresh nutmeg provides a more vibrant flavor than ground nutmeg but either works.
- The skin on the fruit slices adds extra flavor and body to the wassail.
- Garnish ideas include fresh rosemary sprigs, star anise, and cooked fruit slices for added aroma and visual appeal.
- You can strain the drink for a smoother texture if you prefer no floating spices or fruit pieces.
