A Wassail Recipe

There are certain things that just mean Christmas to me.  Certain smells.  Certain decorations.  Certain activities.

This wassail recipe is one of those things for me.   My mom started making it waaaay back in the 90s when I was in high school and it's been a holiday favorite ever since.  When I take a sip, it's like I'm drinking Christmas and all of the wonderful things that go along with it.  And no, drinking Christmas is not a BAD thing although it doesn't sound like something you'd want to do.  It's all the good of the holiday minus the crowds at the mall, pine needles in your carpet and credit card bills.

It's warmth, joy and comfort.

Plus, part of it requires you to simmer cinnamon, allspice and cloves on the stove for two hours so your house will smell ah-may-zing.  There really is no downside!

{side note: After researching wikipedia about wassail, I am realizing that it might usually have alcohol in it.  This recipe does not, and, as I just said, I just learned that it probably should about 5 minutes ago.  So sorry if you're looking for that kind of a wassail recipe.}

This recipe makes a TON of wassail.  It's perfect for a large Christmas Eve crowd or to serve at your cookie exchange party (as I did a couple of weeks ago).  If you want it just for your smaller family simply cut it in half.  You'll still have plenty.

Also, I don't usually have cheesecloth on hand so I've been known to cut the foot off an old (but clean) pair of nylons, put the spices in there and tie the top for simmering.  Works like a charm.

Holiday Wassail

4 ½ quarts water

4 ½ C. sugar

1 gallon apple cider or apple juice

9 C. orange juice

6 C. lemonade

Tie in cheesecloth bag:

12 sticks cinnamon

12 whole allspice

36 whole cloves

Simmer cheesecloth bag, water & sugar for 2 hours.  Pull out bag of spices.  Add apple cider/juice, orange juice & lemonade.  Heat and enjoy!

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