Wassail (Spiced Cider)

                       

I've always affectionately called this drink by it's traditional name, Wassail, but many people call it Spiced Cider or Hot Spiced Mulled Cider.  It originally came from England, where it was made at the first of each harvest, to wish for a good harvest the following year.  Now its often made just as a Christmas drink, but I think it can be enjoyed all Fall and Winter.

You might recognize this carol, usually sung at Christmas:

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.                        

                          
Recipe:

The basic ratio- 2 parts apple juice, 1 part orange juice, 1 part cranberry juice

1 bottle of part Apple Juice or Cider (64 oz. standard juice)
1/2 bottle of cranberry juice 
1/2 bottle orange juice (if this is a larger bottle of OJ, make it 1/3rd)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves

5-6 whole cinnamon sticks
8-10 whole cloves
Orange sliced in the rounds

Make in a Crockpot or large pot on the oven.  Add all ingredients (except sliced oranges, add later after cider has heated up, so they don't get mushy.)  Cook on medium-low for an hour or more, to let the flavors mix..  Or if you have limited time, heat until hot, then turn down to low, simmer.  This recipe is very much "to your taste preference".  After you have added all ingredients, pour a glass, taste it, and you can add more spices if you wish.

For decoration and flavor, you can add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange slices.  I've even seen this made with whole cranberries.  You can pour these right into the individual glasses for decoration.


Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Enjoy!
-Taylor