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Cozy Spiced Wassail with Orange and Cloves – Easy Kid-Friendly Holiday Drink

cozy spiced wassail with orange and cloves - featured image
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A warm, citrusy, and aromatic holiday drink that comes together in under 30 minutes. Studded oranges and whole spices infuse apple cider and orange juice for a soul-soothing, kid-friendly wassail perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) apple cider
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 medium oranges
  • 30 to 40 whole cloves
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional: splash of rum or bourbon for adults

Instructions

  1. Prep the oranges: Wash the oranges thoroughly. Using a small paring knife or toothpick, poke holes all over the surface of each orange. Insert whole cloves into the holes, spacing them evenly (about 15 to 20 cloves per orange).
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider and freshly squeezed orange juice into a large pot. Turn the heat to medium-high and warm until hot but not boiling.
  3. Add the spices and fruit: Drop in the clove-studded oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and sliced ginger. Stir gently.
  4. Sweeten to taste: Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, stir to dissolve, then taste. Add up to 1 more tablespoon if desired.
  5. Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the kitchen smells aromatic and the oranges have softened slightly. Do not let it boil vigorously.
  6. Taste and adjust: After 20 minutes, taste and adjust sweetness or spice level. Add extra orange juice for more citrus or let simmer 5 more minutes for warmer spice.
  7. Strain and serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger slices. Leave a few apple slices floating in the pot for visual appeal. Ladle the warm wassail into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Keep on warm for serving. The wassail can be made ahead and reheated gently. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, spiced wassail, holiday drink, kid-friendly, orange, cloves, apple cider, warm beverage, Christmas drink

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-spiced-wassail-with-orange-and-cloves-easy-kid-friendly-holiday-drink/