Name: Light Wassail
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Cuisine: Beverages
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)

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Hot spiced apple cider with just the right amount of spices that both adults and kids will enjoy.

Wassail was a traditional Christmas toast, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words for “to your health” – “waes hael.” 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 in a baking dish with a little water (6 tablespoons), and roast 30 to 45 minutes (until apples are softened). Then add to the punch bowl once it’s ready!

New Africa/shutterstock

Photo Credit:

New Africa/shutterstock

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.