Traditional Wassail

By KRed

Wassail, an English hot beverage traditionally served on Christmas Eve, can be made from wine, cider, beer or a combination of the three. The beverage is made in bulk and simmered over a low heat with baked apples, orange peel, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, then thickened with eggs. The Swedes have one similar called Glogg, and the Danes call theirs Ogge. Try this for a holiday party, family dinner or just to enjoy the wonderful aromas on a cold evening in.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 qt. apple juice
• 1 qt apple cider
• 1 pint cranberry juice
• 1 tsp aromatic bitters
• 1 cup rum
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole allspice
• 1 orange
• 6 cloves

Preparation

Step 1

Dissolve the sugar in the juices, and warm over medium heat. Add the bitters and the run, and simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce heat. Stud the orange with the allspice and cloves. Add the studded orange to the liquid with the cinnamon sticks, and steep for 4 hours. Do not boil.