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Cozy Spiced Wassail with Orange

cozy spiced wassail with orange - featured image
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This cozy spiced wassail with orange and cloves is a warm, comforting drink that fills your home with the scent of the holidays. Made with simple ingredients like apple cider, orange juice, and whole spices, it’s a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing beverage that reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) apple cider
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) orange juice
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) water
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 15 cloves)
  • 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium apple, sliced into rounds (optional)
  • 2 to 3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange into rounds about 1/4-inch thick (about 8 to 10 slices). Slice the apple the same way, removing seeds from the center. Optionally, press 3 to 4 whole cloves into each orange slice.
  2. Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and water into a large pot or Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium-high.
  3. Stir in the honey or brown sugar until dissolved. If using honey, drizzle slowly while stirring.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Stir gently.
  5. Lay the orange and apple slices gently into the pot, submerging as much as possible.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil).
  7. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste at 20 minutes and adjust spice level by simmering longer if desired.
  8. Use a slotted spoon or fine-mesh strainer to remove cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fruit slices. Fish out any loose cloves.
  9. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed. Add more honey/sugar or a splash of apple juice/water if necessary.
  10. Ladle into mugs. Garnish with reserved orange slices or cinnamon sticks, and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not boil the wassail; a gentle simmer prevents cloudiness and bitterness. The drink improves overnight as flavors meld. For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting. For an adult version, add 1 cup of dark rum or brandy after removing spices. To make ahead, cool completely, refrigerate for up to 5 days, and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, spiced wassail, orange wassail, holiday drink, apple cider, warm beverage, Christmas drink, cozy drink

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-spiced-wassail-with-orange/