Red Wine Wassail
Warm up your holiday gatherings with a cozy mug of Red Wine Wassail, a festive twist on the classic mulled wine. This aromatic drink blends the bold flavors of dry red wine with the crisp sweetness of unfiltered apple cider, enhanced by a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg. Fresh orange juice and zest add a citrusy brightness, while a touch of honey or brown sugar lets you customize the sweetness to your liking. Optional brandy provides an extra layer of warmth, and garnishes of orange slices and cranberries make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, this heartwarming beverage is perfect for chilly evenings, holiday parties, or any wintertime celebration. Serve in heat-proof mugs and let the festive flavors shine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 750 ml Dry red wine
- 500 ml Apple cider (unfiltered)
- 1 whole Orange
- 2 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 6 pieces Whole cloves
- 2 pods Star anise
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Honey (or brown sugar for sweetness)
- 60 ml Brandy (optional)
- 0.25 cups Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- 3 slices Orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Pour the red wine and apple cider into a large pot or saucepan.
Using a vegetable peeler, peel 2-3 strips of orange zest (avoid the white pith for a less bitter taste) and add to the pot. Slice the orange in half and juice one half directly into the mixture. Slice the other half into thin rounds and set aside for garnish.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to the pot.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil, as it will cook off the alcohol). Stir occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and allow the wassail to gently simmer for about 15 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.
Taste and adjust sweetness by stirring in honey or brown sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired level of sweetness is achieved.
If desired, stir in the brandy just before serving for an extra kick.
Ladle the wassail into heat-proof glasses or mugs, straining out the spices if preferred.
Garnish each serving with a slice of orange and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1314 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 68 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.1 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 108.2 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 285 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2030 mg | 43% | |
*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.
