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Light Wassail

Photo Credit
New Africa/shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Category
Beverages
Course
Other
Occasions
Christmas
Sources
Weekly Wisdom
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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 Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

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Comments

Mike Waldrep (not verified)

11 years 6 months ago

Interesting! I hope that everyone had a great and safe weekend, had a merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year.

Ladonna Sanders (not verified)

15 years 5 months ago

Very good,this is the best recipe I have found for wassail.

JBL55 (not verified)

15 years 6 months ago

Yes, brandy IS nice, and so is rum or vodka or apple liqueurs like Calvados. I just put the bottles near the cups so folks can add, or not, as I do with punch. Funny -- I was about to deep-six an old crock pot because it didn't have a removable crock, but then I realized it could become my go-to wassail pot!

Ann Colletti (not verified)

15 years 6 months ago

at a party, leave in crockpot on warm.

Ann Hicks (not verified)

15 years 6 months ago

Add a little brandy for the grownups!