Old-Fashioned Holiday Wassail

Servings: 12 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider

• 2 cups orange juice

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• ½ cup lemon juice

• ½ cup brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 apple, sliced into rounds

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

Optional Add-In (for adults):

• 1 to 1 ½ cups spiced rum or brandy

Directions:

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.

2. Stir in brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg.

3. Add sliced apple and orange rounds.

4. Simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend (or 2–3 hours in a slow cooker).

5. Before serving, remove cloves and cinnamon sticks.

6. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice.

Tip: For a festive touch, serve in clear mugs and top with a star anise or a fresh cranberry skewer.