Recipes: Wassail

 

Flickr Photo Credit: I. Chaplin

This is a great beverage to serve over the winter holidays, either with or without alcohol. My best friend from grade school’s mother made it every Christmas.

Here are the ingredients:

One orange scored vertically and studded with whole cloves, 1 gallon apple juice or cider, 1 smaller jug of cranberry juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp bitters (optional). Put everything into a large pot and heat on low until blended, aromatic and steaming.

I usually have a bottle of dark golden rum standing by, so guests can choose whether or not they want alcohol. This beverage is usually so popular, that the designated drivers don’t want to be left out. Leftovers can easily be reheated the next day.