Lion House Wassail

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, sugar, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the oranges and cinnamon sticks and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Serve the wassail warm in mugs, garnished with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• The word “wassail” comes from the Old English phrase “waes hael”, which means “be in good health.”
• Wassail is traditionally served during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
• Wassail is also traditionally used as a toast, with people drinking and wishing each other “waes hael”.