Fall Favorites - Amy’s Festive Warm Wassail Recipe

Today our special guest poster is Amy from Beloved Atmosphere and I met her not that long ago through an incredible Facebook group that I belong to. She is leading what I consider an exciting life! She recently moved to Europe and spends her free time traveling to incredible places (I’m a tad jealous).

Amy is a devoted wife, a dedicated mommy to the Three Little Mermaids, a savvy traveller, an educator, and a darn good cook. When she’s not busy dining out at local hot spots or whisking her kiddos off to fun discoveries, Amy writes for Beloved Atmosphere, her blog that focuses on Travel with Kids, Parenting, Education, DIY and Crafting projects, Cooking and other Topics du Jour. Amy also manages Sunset Vacation Rental, her family’s vacation rental business for their house at the Beach. In whatever spare time she finds, Amy loves reading, sewing, cooking, and connecting on Social Media.

You can find her all over the internet sharing pictures and videos of her family’s travel experiences, too. Check her out on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Now…. on to the good stuff. Amy’s Fall Favorite!

Doesn’t Autumn bring such comforting aromas and warm feelings?

Watching as the leaves change into brilliant scarlet, tangerine, mustard and plum always brings peace to my heart. As you cozy up in anticipation of Winter’s chill, simmer a pot of this delightful warm spiced cider and you’ll soon be feeling warm and spicy, too. A festive treat on a slow afternoon or a treat to enjoy as you prepare your Autumn and Winter holiday feasts, this Warm Wassail will be a tradition for years to come.

Grab your mug and your song book. Here we go a-wassailing!

If you’re a history buff, here is a link to the historical origins of wassail.

Side note: Where I’m from, a Hot Toddy is what we call any warm beverage spiked with alcohol. This Warm Wassail recipe is delicious both without alcohol and with a bit of Hot Toddy-ness. Our favorite add-ins include: Sandeman tawny port wine, cognac, brandy, bourbon, and red wine.

Amy’s Warm Wassail

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 6-8 hours Servings: 16 cups

Ingredients:

2 quarts fresh apple cider

2 cups fresh no-pulp orange juice

2 cups cranberry juice

¼ cup fresh lemon juice (optional)

20 whole cloves

20 cinnamon sticks, separated into 4 for recipe + 16 for garnish

1 pinch ground ginger (optional)

1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

1 pinch ground allspice (optional)

Garnishes: serve on the side of the pot next to the mugs…

Honey

Sugar cubes

Cinnamon sticks

Whole cloves

If you wish to “spice things up” and make this spiced cider a Hot Toddy (alcoholic)…

1 bottle bourbon, cognac or brandy

1 bottle red wine (Madeira, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) or mulled wine

1 bottle tawny Port wine

Instructions:

In a large pot over low heat, combine apple cider, fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
Add whole cloves and 4 cinnamon sticks. Then sprinkle in to taste: ground ginger, ground nutmeg and ground allspice (each spice is optional).
Allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
After one hour, transfer to a slow cooker, and allow to simmer on the keep warm or low setting for 5-7 more hours before serving.
Serve hot in mugs. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick.
If you prefer a Hot Toddy, add your preferred alcohol to your warm wassail.