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Cozy Wassail with Cinnamon & Cloves

Cozy Wassail with Cinnamon & Cloves - featured image
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A warm, spiced winter drink made with apple cider, fresh fruit, and aromatic spices. This comforting beverage is quick to prepare, perfect for hosting, and captures the essence of the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 quarts (about 2 liters) Apple Cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Orange Juice
  • 2 large Apples, sliced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 1 large Orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2 large Cinnamon Sticks
  • 6–8 whole Cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 1-inch piece Fresh Ginger, sliced
  • 2–3 tablespoons Maple Syrup, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar, optional

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange and apples thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds. Core and slice the apples into wedges. Set aside.
  2. Pour the apple cider and orange juice into a large stockpot. Add the sliced apples, orange rounds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spices to infuse. Add a splash of water or cider if it reduces too much.
  5. Taste the wassail and add maple syrup and brown sugar if needed. Stir until dissolved and adjust sweetness to preference.
  6. Turn off the heat. Strain the wassail through a fine-mesh strainer into a serving jug or bowl to remove fruit and spices.
  7. Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.

Notes

[‘Do not boil the cider, as it can become bitter and lose delicate flavors.’, ‘Use whole spices instead of ground for better texture and flavor infusion.’, ‘If making ahead, simmer cider and spices first, then add orange juice just before serving to prevent bitterness.’, ‘Toast spices lightly in a dry pan before adding for enhanced aroma.’, ‘Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.’, ‘Can be frozen for up to 3 months.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, winter drink, spiced cider, holiday recipe, warm beverage, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider, cozy, non-alcoholic

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/cozy-wassail-with-cinnamon-and-cloves-best-warm-winter-drink/