Page 43 - North Haven Magazine Issue 31 Holiday 2023

Warm slowly to blend flavors of Wassail.

Wassail or Mulled Cider? Wassail is a punch made with
a base of ale or apple cider, mixed with various spices, sugar, and
fruit, served warm. Mulled cider is apple cider that is heated and
spiced. Wassail and mulled cider are the perfect traditional bev-
erages to serve to holiday carolers, large party crowds, after sled-
ding, skiing, or skating, or just during the cold winter evenings.
Wassail dates to the 8th century and originates from a Norse
phrase meaning "to be in good health”, or “be whole”. The origins
of mulled cider are vague but may go back to the Roman Empire.
Cranberry punch brightens the table.
Both beverages may be made using either a slow cooker, instant
pot, or on the stovetop, which ever is most convenient. They can
be made without alcohol so there is no need to worry about the
children, or adults! Alcohol (usually brandy) may be added to in- Recipe
dividual cups if desired. Wassail has more complex flavors due to • 6 cups Cranberry Cocktail Juice (or cranberry juice)
the variety of fruits, but the simplicity of hot cider is comforting. • 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup granulated white sugar (recommend superfine
Recipe for Wassail crystals)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 8 oz. orange juice • 2 liters ginger ale, chilled (about 2 quarts)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries • Fresh frozen cranberries and fresh orange slices, for gar-
• 1 6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate nish (optional)
• 8 oz cranberry juice
• 1 gallon apple cider Mix juices, sugar, and almond extract. Refrigerate to chill
• 1 tsp. whole cloves until ready to serve. When ready to serve, add the ginger
• 4-6 cinnamon sticks ale to the punch and stir. Pour into a punch bowl and gar-
• lemon and orange slices for garnish nish with frozen cranberries and fresh orange slices.
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or large pot on the
stove. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. Garnish with fresh
lemon and orange slices. Serve warm. Tips: Make extra punch that can be frozen in decorative molds
for ice to keep the punch chilled. A ring mold, or mini bundt cake
Tips: Flavors blend after preparation so don’t hesitate to make pans work well. This punch can be made several hours in advance.
Add the ginger ale and garnishes just before serving.
this a day ahead of the event. Store leftover wassail in a pitcher in
the refrigerator for up to 5 days. All these traditional beverages are very easy to make and don’ t
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat wassail over the stove require a lot of special ingredients. They are perfect for getting
the children involved in the kitchen! Prepare ahead of time for
on medium heat until simmering. convenience and use as part of the table decor. They all can be
There are many recipes for Wassail on the Internet, so check out enjoyed by children and adults and will create fond memories of
celebrating the holiday season. Try some this year and don’t hesi-
some to see additional ways to make this popular holiday bever- tate to make your own variations!
age.
Cranberry Christmas Punch: Holiday festivities would
not be the same without a sparkling cranberry punch. The beau-
tiful red color of the punch coordinates with the holiday colors of
green, red, and white, and can stand alone as a table centerpiece
when served in a crystal bowl. Popular with children and adults,
this is the perfect addition to a traditional celebration.

NorthHavenMag.com 43