Wassail (non-alcoholic)
Post title is a Sandra Boynton joke. This is a spice apple cider, served hot.
Servings: 1 gallon (approximately)
Equipment
- cheesecloth optional
Ingredients
Syrup
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup works for a less sweet taste
- 3 sticks cinnamon
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 3 chunks fresh ginger root you can buy one root and break it up
Base
- 16 oz orange juice concentrate 1 can
- 8 oz lemonade concentrate 1/2 can
- 2 quarts apple cider
Instructions
Make the Syrup
- In a large pot (more than one gallon), dissolve the sugar into the water.
- Tie the cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger into a small amount of cheesecloth and place it in the water.
- Bring the water to a boil, turn down the heat and let boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool close to room temperature. It should be a golden brown color. Remove the bag of spices and squeeze it, to return some of the syrup.
Mix the Wassail
- When the syrup has cooled, return it to medium-low heat.
- Melt the orange juice and lemonade concentrate into the syrup, stirring.
- Blend the cider into the mixture. Stir occasionally while you keep heating until the wassail is at your preferred temperature (comparable to coffee or hot chocolate).
- Serve with a ladle or spare mug into mugs and share.
Notes
- No special instructions are needed for doubling this recipe, feel free to prepare in large quantities if you're having a party.
- Once the wassail has reached your preferred temperature, keeping the burner at the lowest setting will preserve the heat for a while. Remember to stir frequently, as well as before serving each time, because the wassail will separate.
- I've stored a batch for up to a week without noticing a degradation in flavor, but remember this is chock full of fruit juice, and it will go bad. Ideal storage is a container you can shake before pouring (such as Tupperware or an empty milk or cider jug) because, again, it will separate.
- Reheat on the stove at medium-low heat for best results. However, in a pinch you can pour it in a mug and microwave for 30-60 seconds at a time, stirring in between.