Wassail Wonderland

Warm Wassail

I love Wassail, the mulled drink that I can make as a punch or a batch cocktail. It reminds me of the holidays – all of them in November and December.

If you’re not familiar with Wassail, think of mulled cider; though it is nonalcoholic. But you know me, it doesn’t stay that way. 😉 I used to work for a Swedish company and during Christmas time, we always had Glögg, a mulled wine.

There are a thousand and eleven Wassail recipes online, let me help you narrow it down. Or not. You literally can’t go wrong. And if you cook like I do, by throwing things in a pan and not always measuring, then Wassail is for you. The base for my Wassail is:

apple cider (4 cups) + pineapple juice (2 cups) + orange juice (1 cups) + lemon juice (1/2 cup.)

I should be embarrassed at the frequency of which I’m making this cocktail. I’m not.

Don’t judge me.

From there, I add in spices. I’ve used ginger, cloves, cinnamon and even steeped chai tea! I added some cranberry juice this time for the extra pop of color. Literally whatever I have a taste for, I add into the pan. I don’t think I’ve ever made the same batch twice, but that’s part of the charm. Once I figure out the seasonings, I cook it on my stovetop for about 20 minutes. Your house will smell amazing. After 20 minutes, leave it on low if you want to serve it warm. I add bourbon to each serving individually.

Or… you can dink it chilled, over ice. I’m not sure what prompted me to do this the first time, but now it is the only way I drink Wassail. I still cook it to bring the seasonings to life; but I let it cool and add an ounce and a half of bourbon and voila – Wassail Wonderland. Let me know your recipe.  

Happy New Year Brown Girls!

Cheers,  

~Kimberly Elise  
#2BrownGirls 
#MelaninTwist 
#BlackGirlMagic