Welcoming Wassail
Cozy up with a mug of "Welcoming Wassail," a traditional spiced drink perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly evenings by the fire. This aromatic recipe combines the tartness of cranberry juice, the sweetness of apple cider, and the citrusy brightness of orange juice, all simmered with warm spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and fresh ginger. The addition of sliced oranges creates a festive presentation, while an optional splash of dark rum or bourbon adds a sophisticated twist for adults. Ready in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep, this mulled drink is both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served as-is or spiked for a grown-up treat, Welcoming Wassail is the perfect addition to your winter entertaining lineup!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Apple cider
- 2 cups Orange juice
- 1 cup Cranberry juice
- 0.25 cups Brown sugar
- 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 12 pieces Whole cloves
- 2 pieces Star anise
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1 piece Orange (sliced into rounds)
- 0.5 cups Optional dark rum (or bourbon, for adults)
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
Stir in the brown sugar until it is fully dissolved.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, fresh ginger slices, and the orange rounds to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Taste the wassail and adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
If using, stir in the dark rum (or bourbon) just before serving for an adult-friendly option.
Strain the wassail to remove the spices and orange slices, if desired, or ladle it directly into mugs with the garnishes for a festive touch.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.3 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 110 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 360.5 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 291.0 g | ||
| Protein | 9.8 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 470 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 3663 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.
