Wassail

Does anyone have a good and easy (ie - as few ingreidents as possible) recipe for wassail to share?

[Robin Garr]

Does anyone have a good and easy (ie - as few ingreidents as possible) recipe for wassail to share?

You looking for a boozy wassail or a non-alcoholic version, Beth? Apple cider-based or not? There are a lot of variations on wassail out there. Narrow it down a little, and I'll bet we can come up with something good.

Definitely boozy; I'm thinking rum probably. I would definitely be open to using apple cider as a base, especially if it makes it easy. I'll probably start it on the stove, but transfer to a crockpot. Could I just do the rum, apple cider, and some mulling spices and call it a day?

[Robin Garr]

Definitely boozy; I'm thinking rum probably. I would definitely be open to using apple cider as a base, especially if it makes it easy. I'll probably start it on the stove, but transfer to a crockpot. Could I just do the rum, apple cider, and some mulling spices and call it a day?

That would indeed be a decent wassail, Beth, although I think adding some citrus - orange and lemon slices, maybe - and a little sweetening would make it even more wassailly.

On second thought, should I use red wine instead? I seem to recall having some that was made with wine once.

Use Makers Mark. May not be appropriate but after a couple of sips ... who cares

[Robin Garr]

On second thought, should I use red wine instead? I seem to recall having some that was made with wine once.

Sure! Technically, then you've got mulled wine instead of wassail, but you're still in the same ballpark.

Beth,

This is our super simple way of doing it. It was on our stove all day this past Saturday and Sunday.

Go to Kroger or ValuMarket and get a couple of boxes of the Alpine spiced apple cider (there's also a Kroger brand that is just fine). It's usually located in the tea/coffee aisle (green or blue box).

1. Put a pot of water on top of the stove
2. Dump in the appropriate amount of powdered mix (about 1 packet for every 8 oz. of water)
3. Heat the water/powder mix and stir until everything blends
4. Put a shot of bourbon or rum (spiced or unspiced are both ok) into your mug.
5. Pour some of the cider mix into your mug on top of the bourbon/rum & stir
6. Drink, enjoy, repeat

PS - You can jazz it up by adding extra spices and/or sliced fruit, but it's not necessary.

I'd run Leanne's way, but if you want to go the prebatch-route, may I make suggestion:

Grab a pint of Bacardi 151. Adjust your seasonings with this.

You will be all day balancing acids to sugars, tring to figure out what exactly doesn't fit. It's your proof. Spiced and dark rums come in at 70p generally and generally come off sweeter. You'll add acid and then it will be too acidic. You'll compensate with simple syrup. Still no bag...

The proof is in the proof.

Also, don't forget to add bitters! They are cheap and pack a punch. A few dashes of Regan's Orange Bitters will make all the difference...

The proof is in the proof.

Also, don't forget to add bitters! They are cheap and pack a punch. A few dashes of Regan's Orange Bitters will make all the difference...

And that's why you duh man!

We have a 50 cup coffee maker on the counter with cider from Thanksgiving to Christmas out on the counter. Super easy and you can add the rum.
Apple juice in the bottom like the water if it were coffee.
In the filter ring put in sliced oranges, cloves and cinnamon sticks.

It cures over the times you run it. If it gets too strong just add more apple juice.

1 quart of tea
1 quart of apple cider
1 quart of cranberry juice
2 cups of orange juice
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 cup sugar
3 2" cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves

Keep it on the stove from Thanksgiving until New Years.

Patrick.

Saw you just joined in with several posts. Welcome to the Forum!

Deb

Patrick.

Saw you just joined in with several posts. Welcome to the Forum!

Deb

Thanks Deb!