Wassail (non-alcoholic)
Post title is a Sandra Boynton joke. This is a spice apple cider, served hot.
Cook Time45 minutes mins
cooling10 minutes mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, English, German
Servings: 1 gallon (approximately)
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
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.
- 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.