Wassail

 

2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

plus 8 for garnish

10 whole allspice

8 whole cloves

1 qt cranberry juice cocktail

1 qt apple cider

2 TBSP sugar

1 Granny Smith apple

1 cup apple liqueur (we use DeKuyper’s Apple Barrel)

1 6x4 inch piece of cheesecloth

kitchen string

 

Wrap 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in the cheesecloth and tie with string.  In a 5-qt heavy pot, simmer cranberry juice, cider, sugar, and spice bag, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, for 10 minutes.  Halve apple and cut into ¼ inch thick slices.  Add apple slices and apple liquor to cider mixture and simmer for 2 minutes (slices will remain crisp).  Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

 

Serves 8 people