Colonial Wassail
Transport your taste buds to a festive colonial-era celebration with this warming and aromatic Colonial Wassail recipe. Brimming with nostalgic flavors, this yuletide favorite combines sweet apple cider, zesty oranges, and a medley of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a comforting and richly spiced drink. A unique touch of frothy, tempered eggs adds silky body, while optional additions of hard cider and rum or brandy bring a cozy, spirited depth. Simmered to perfection and garnished with clove-studded oranges or cinnamon sticks, this traditional wassail is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or cold winter nights. Whether served alcohol-free or with a boozy twist, this historical beverage is sure to be the star of your holiday table. Perfect for those searching for festive Christmas drinks, traditional holiday recipes, or spiced winter beverages!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups hard cider (optional)
- 2 whole oranges
- 12 whole cloves
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup rum or brandy (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Stud one of the oranges with the whole cloves by piercing the fruit and inserting the cloves. Slice the second orange into thin rounds and set aside.
In a large pot, combine the apple cider, hard cider (if using), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ground ginger, and brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Gently place the clove-studded orange into the pot and add the orange slices. Heat over medium-low heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
While the wassail simmers, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until light and frothy.
Temper the eggs by slowly adding 1 cup of the hot liquid from the wassail mixture to the eggs while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot while stirring constantly. This will thicken and enrich the wassail.
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and let the wassail continue to gently heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If desired, stir in the rum or brandy just before serving for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
Ladle the wassail into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2588 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.4 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 558 mg | 186% | |
| Sodium | 403 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 410.3 g | 149% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.0 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 332.7 g | ||
| Protein | 25.3 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 682 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 3417 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
