Ingredients:
- 1 gallon (16 cups) apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 10 whole cloves
- 10 allspice berries
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- Rum or brandy (optional, for an adult version)
- Additional citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Sachet:
- Wrap the whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise pods in a piece of cheesecloth or a muslin bag and tie it securely.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add Spices:
- Add the spice sachet, cinnamon sticks, and slices of orange, lemon, and apple to the pot.
4. Simmer:
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Remove Spice Sachet:
- Carefully remove the spice sachet and discard it.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the Wassail into mugs. You can strain it if you prefer a clear liquid, or leave the fruit slices and spices for a more rustic presentation.
7. Optional Alcohol:
- If you’d like to make an alcoholic version, add a shot of rum or brandy to each mug before serving.
8. Garnish:
- Garnish each serving with additional citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and a few whole cloves.
Cooking Time: The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Serving Size: This recipe serves approximately 10-12 people.
