Best 7 California Wassail Recipes

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Feast your senses on the tantalizing taste of California Wassail, a delightful medley of flavors that embodies the spirit of the Golden State. This heartwarming beverage, steeped in tradition, has undergone a modern revival, resulting in a symphony of taste sensations. Embark on a culinary journey through California with three distinct Wassail recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic libation. From the zesty citrus notes of the California Citrus Wassail to the smoky allure of the Spiced Apple Wassail, and the tropical essence of the Guava Wassail, these recipes promise an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, cozying up on a chilly evening, or simply seeking a refreshing treat, California Wassail is the perfect companion to warm your heart and soul. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delectable adventure together.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

BEST EVER HOT WASSAIL RECIPE



Best Ever Hot Wassail Recipe image

Amazing hot wassail aka hot cider drink

Provided by Jenn

Categories     Drinks

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 cups apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 whole cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pan.
  • Bring to simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce heat and continue simmering for 45 minutes. Ladle into cups or mugs and enjoy!

GRANDMA'S WASSAIL



Grandma's Wassail image

An easy recipe for the traditional holiday drink. If you don't have a tea ball, place spice mixture on a small piece of cheesecloth and tie with a string, forming a small pouch.

Provided by Sara P

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     English

Time 25m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 gallons apple cider
2 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

Steps:

  • Mix apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and sugar together in a large pot over medium-low heat.
  • Place cloves and cinnamon in a tea ball; add ball to the apple cider mixture. Simmer mixture until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Serve from pot with large ladle.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151 calories, Carbohydrate 37.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 25 mg, Sugar 33 g

WASSAIL



Wassail image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     beverage

Time 25m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 cups apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
12 whole cloves
4 whole cinnamon sticks
Brandy or cognac, for spiking
Apple slices or orange wheels, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a medium pot set over medium heat, add the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Ladle the wassail into mugs spiked with brandy or cognac, and garnish with spices and apple slices or orange wheels.

WASSAIL



Wassail image

Wassail is a hot mulled cider, traditionally enjoyed during wassailing, an English Christmas drinking ritual intended to ensure a good apple harvest the following year. The whole baked apples floating on top lend a homey feel to the warming festive drink. Serve as is -- or top with a splash of brandy if you like. It's perfect for a big family gathering or holiday party.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     beverage

Time 1h45m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
6 Fuji apples, cored
Four 11.2-ounce bottles English hard cider, such as Strongbow
Two 12-ounce bottles English pale ale, such as Bass
2 cups apple cider
1 cup Madeira
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving
2 wide strips orange zest, plus orange wedges, for serving
2 wide strips lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Spoon the sugar into the center of each apple, then place in a 9-inch square baking dish with 1 cup water. Bake until the apples are very tender, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the hard cider, pale ale, apple cider and Madeira to a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Put the cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and lemon zest in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it closed. Add to the pot along with the ginger and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and steep the mixture until the liquid is well spiced and fragrant, about 1 hour.
  • Add the cooked apples and any of their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Remove the cheesecloth. Serve warm in individual mugs with an orange wedge and cinnamon stick.

CIDER WASSAIL



Cider Wassail image

This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Since it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. -Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 quarts apple cider
1-1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
Dash ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve hot in mugs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 17mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

RITTENHOUSE INN WASSAIL PUNCH



Rittenhouse Inn Wassail Punch image

Categories     Bourbon     Fruit Juice     Christmas     Cocktail Party     Cocktail     Spice     Spirit     Whiskey     Fall     Winter     Cinnamon     Clove     Christmas Eve     Nutmeg     Drink

Yield Serves 10 to 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

Wassail:
12 whole cloves
6 whole allspice
1/2 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
12 whole white peppercorns
1 gallon fresh apple cider
6 ounces cranberry juice
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
10-12 ounces bourbon
Tools:
cheesecloth, kitchen string, large pot
Glasses:
mugs
Garnish:
ground nutmeg and 1 cinnamon stick per drink

Steps:

  • To make the wassail, wrap the cloves, allspice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen string. Combine the cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, and spice bag in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
  • For each serving, put one ounce of the bourbon into a mug and fill it with hot Wassail. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

WASSAIL



Wassail image

Alton Brown's classic wassail cider from Food Network is the perfect warming drink for the holidays.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     beverage

Time 1h

Yield approximately 3 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 small Fuji apples, cored
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
72 ounces ale
750 ml Madeira
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick, 2-inches long
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 large eggs, separated

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Put the apples into an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish. Spoon the brown sugar into the center of each apple, dividing the sugar evenly among them. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish and bake until tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Pour the ale and Madeira into a large slow cooker. Put the cloves, allspice, and cinnamon into a small muslin bag or cheesecloth, tied with kitchen twine, and add to the slow cooker along with the ginger and nutmeg. Set the slow cooker to medium heat and bring the mixture to at least 120 degrees F. Do not boil.
  • Add the egg whites to a medium bowl and using a hand mixer, beat until stiff peaks form. Put the egg yolks into a separate bowl and beat until lightened in color and frothy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the egg whites to the yolks and using the hand mixer, beat, just until combined. Slowly add 4 to 6 ounces of the alcohol mixture from the slow cooker to the egg mixture, beating with the hand mixer on low speed. Return this mixture to the slow cooker and whisk to combine.
  • Add the apples and the liquid from the baking dish to the wassail and stir to combine. Ladle into cups and serve.

Tips:

  • Use fresh oranges and lemons. Fresh citrus fruits impart the best flavor to wassail. If you can, use organic oranges and lemons to avoid pesticides.
  • Choose a good quality wine. The wine you use will greatly affect the flavor of your wassail. Choose a wine that you enjoy drinking on its own.
  • Add spices and sugar to taste. The amount of spices and sugar you add to your wassail is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
  • Serve wassail warm. Wassail is best served warm, so heat it gently over low heat until it is just simmering. If you are making wassail ahead of time, let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat it gently over low heat.
  • Garnish wassail with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange. This will add a festive touch to your wassail and make it even more enjoyable.

Conclusion:

Wassail is a delicious and festive holiday drink that is easy to make at home. With its warm spices and citrus flavors, wassail is the perfect drink to enjoy on a cold winter night. Whether you are hosting a holiday party or simply want to enjoy a special treat, wassail is a surefire hit. So gather your ingredients and give this classic holiday drink a try!

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