Ingredients:

  • 8 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks (3-inch)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brandy, rum, or bourbon (optional, per serving)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine apple cider, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, ginger, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  3. Stir in honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Strain the wassail through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit (optional).
  6. Ladle into mugs. Add brandy, rum, or bourbon per serving if desired. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.