California Wassail Recipes

CHRISTMAS WASSAIL

Steps:

• Pour apple cider, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice into a stockpot. Place orange slices, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and cloves in a muslin pouch or directly into the apple cider mixture. Bring apple cider mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove orange slices and spices before serving.

WASSAIL

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium-low heat add the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
• Add in the cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, cranberries, orange, and apple slices.
• Let simmer for an hour or all day. Serve hot.

GRANDMA'S WASSAIL

Steps:

• Mix apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and sugar together in a large pot over medium-low heat.
• Place cloves and cinnamon in a tea ball; add ball to the apple cider mixture. Simmer mixture until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Serve from pot with large ladle.

WASSAIL

Steps:

• Combine all above ingredients (except whiskey) in a large pot or large coffee pot and bring to a boil.
• Allow to simmer at least 1 hour.
• Strain and add whiskey if you desire.
• Garnish with sliced oranges and serve hot.
• Enjoy!
• Note: I always use cheesecloth to tie the Allspice and Cinnamon Sticks into which allows me less straining.
• I recycled the glass jugs that the cider came in and use them to refrigerate any leftovers.
• My family enjoys having wassail the entire holiday season, so we normally double or triple the recipe.