The Best Wassail

This particular recipe is actually one my husband has created for the family holiday drink. It is a wonderful traditional beverage that has no added sugar since all the sweetness comes from the fruit juice. We like to use it as an alternative to Hot Chocolate, not to mention the smell will cheer up any home! The recipe calls for Apple cider, which can be purchased preferably from a whole foods store where no sugar is added to the cider, but larger food chains sometimes carry no added sugar cider as well.

1/2 Gal Apple Cider
1/2 Tbs cinnamon
1 tsp whole Allspice
1 tsp whole Clove
1 orange, sliced
2 C fresh Cranberries
10 cinnamon sticks

Simmer Cider with allspice, cloves and cinnamon for one hour. Using a sieve, remove whole spices from the cider. Add the sliced orange, cranberries and cinnamon sticks continue to simmer for 30. Serve with fruit and sticks as a garnish Remove fruit and cinnamon sticks to store. Note spice will intensify the longer it sits.