Perfect Christmas Wassail — The Centuries-Old Spiced Cider Tradition
Wassail recipe — the medieval English spiced cider; warming; spiced; the traditional Christmas drink for crowds.
Wassail is the medieval English Christmas drink — spiced apple cider with citrus and warming spices. A pot on the stove or in the slow cooker. Serves a crowd. Perfect Christmas Eve gathering drink.
The recipe (serves 12-15)
Ingredients
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 1 quart orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 oranges sliced; 1 lemon sliced; 1 apple sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 3 star anise
- Optional: 1-2 cups dark rum OR brandy for adult version
Method
- Combine all in large pot OR slow cooker
- Simmer 1-2 hours (LOW heat; don't boil)
- Strain through fine mesh sieve
- Ladle into mugs
- Garnish with cinnamon stick + orange slice
Cross-references
For perfect Christmas mulled cider — similar; less elaborate.
For perfect mulled wine — wine version.
Perfect wassail is the medieval Christmas tradition still magical today. Warm spiced cider; centuries of Christmas Eve magic.
Cooking for a crowd?
Plan the quantities and the timing
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