Wassail

By jedrew_52

Ingredients

• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks plus 8 for garnish
• 10 whole allspice
• 8 whole cloves
• 1 qt cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 qt apple cider
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 Granny Smith apple
• 1 cup Calvados or apple liqueur
• Special equipment: a 6- by 4-inch piece of cheesecloth; kitchen string

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

Wrap 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth and tie with string. Simmer cranberry juice, cider, sugar, and spice bag in a 5-quart heavy pot, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, 10 minutes.

Halve apple and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add apple slices and Calvados to cider mixture and simmer 2 minutes (slices will remain crisp). Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.