Wassail Hot Cider
Try this warm, spiced cider with your choice of spirit! It’s great for the winter season. Keep it in a slow cooker to give your home that holiday feel and fragrance.
Ingredients
8 cups apple cider (I like the all-natural, cloudy kind)
2 cups orange juice
½ cup lemon juice
12 whole cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Brandy, Cognac, dark rum, or red wine (optional)
4–5 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
1 apple, sliced (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Preparation
1. In a large stock pot or slow cooker, mix together the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice. Add the whole cloves, ground ginger, and pumpkin pie spice, then stir well until dissolved. (Note: To make this easier to serve, you can stick the whole cloves into an orange or apple slice before dropping into the pot—this makes it easier to ladle into glassware.)
2. Place over high heat and cook until bubbling, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the flavors are combined.
3. Ladle into glasses. If you like, add our choice of brandy, Cognac, dark rum, or red wine (I prefer brandy).
4. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and lemon slices. Serve!
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