Golden Wassail
Warm up your holiday gatherings with the comforting allure of Golden Wassail, a spiced mulled cider drink that epitomizes festive cheer. This soul-soothing recipe blends apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice with an aromatic medley of cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods. Fresh ginger and citrus slices add a zesty brightness, while a touch of brown sugar and optional freshly grated nutmeg create a perfectly balanced sweetness. Ideal for cozy evenings by the fire, this wassail can be served as a family-friendly beverage or enhanced with a splash of dark rum or brandy for an adult twist. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate seasonal treat for serving in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter celebrations, Golden Wassail is your go-to recipe for a warm and inviting holiday drink.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)
- 1 cup dark rum or brandy (optional, for adults)
Instructions
In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Add the fresh ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and crushed cardamom pods to the pot.
Stir in the lemon slices, orange slices, and brown sugar. If using nutmeg, add it as well.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste the wassail and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
If serving for adults, stir in the dark rum or brandy just before serving.
Strain the wassail through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and citrus slices. Discard the solids.
Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a fresh orange slice, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.7 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 148 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.2 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.3 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 274.9 g | ||
| Protein | 10.6 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 557 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 3656 mg | 78% | |
*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.
