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Recipe for Light Wassail | Almanac.com

Light Wassail

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Makes 10 to 12 servings.
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Our Light Wassail (non-alcoholic drink) is a hot mulled cider with just the right amount of spices for both adults and kids to enjoy!

Wassail was a traditional Christmas toast derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “waes hael,” which meant “be whole” or “to your health.” On Twelfth Night (January 5), the wassail bowl was taken from home to home as folks celebrated their last evening of merrymaking before returning to the rigors of work.

You may fortify wassail with alcohol (port, sherry, ale), but this version is non-alcoholic.  It’s a nice hot beverage alternative to hot chocolate to stay cozy in cold weather.

An option for a festive touch: Add baked apples.  Core the apples, lay them in a baking dish with a little water (6 tablespoons), and roast them for 30 to 45 minutes (until the apples are softened). Then add to the punch bowl once it’s ready!

Ingredients
1 gallon apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar, to taste
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 orange, thinly sliced
6 small cored apples (optional)
Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or pot, adjusting sugar to taste, and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve in mugs, or pour into a punch bowl and serve warm in cups.

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The Almanac Chefs

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