Here We Go A-Wassailing!

Wassail

1 64 oz bottle of 100% Cranberry Juice

1 Gallon of Apple Cider

3 -4 cups (how much depends on personal taste) high –quality orange juice  

6 sticks of cinnamon

6 whole cloves

You may also add powdered – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves etc to adjust to personal preference. 

Optional – 1 sliced navel orange – leave orange peel on.
Optional - if you prefer it spiked, the alcohol would be Spiced Rum, or Spiced Brandy.

Combine cranberry Juice, ½ gallon apple cider, orange juice and spices in large pot, uncovered.  (Allows the flavors to concentrate)

Bring to boil, once boiling turn down to a simmer.

If using the orange slices add now. Simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally; if too much has evaporated supplement with the remaining ½ gallon of apple cider.

You may simmer all day, however after 2 hours cover to stop the wassail from completely evaporating.

Or transfer to a crock pot, to keep hot for long periods of time.

Storage – Let the wassail cool to room temperature, using a kitchen funnel, poor the wassail from the pot into the empty cranberry and apple cider bottles. Put the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in the bottles as well. Refrigerate.