Tis the season to be Jolley sit and enjoy a nice hot cup of winter wassail (or apple tea as my kids call it). I made this for the first time our first year of marriage. We were living in Long Island New York. It was very cold and I was far from family. Little did I know how much a little cup of this magic could bring so much warmth and cheer. It has become a tradition ever since. And, while it cooks, it fills the house with the most inviting and heavenly smell. I suggest you make a batch, sit together as a family, and read your favorite stories together. When you don’t hear from me next week, it’s because I am doing just that. xo.
With winter love, Merry Jolly
Winter Wassail
- 1 gallon apple cider or juice (not from concentrate and no sugar added)
- 2 oranges
- 2 lemons
- 1 lime
- 1 Tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 Tablespoon whole allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 quart drinking water
- 1/2 cup natural honey
- Bring water to a boil.
- Juice oranges and lemons in a separate bowl. Set juice to the side and add the juiced rind halves to the water. Add spices to the water. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour.
- With a slotted spoon or sieve, remove fruit pieces and spices. Discard.
- Add apple juice to the seasoned water. Bring to a boil and them remove from heat. Add in the saved citrus juices and honey. Stir until honey in completely incorporated.
- Serve warm (and preferably with one of these cookies). Garnish as desired with citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.
- You can store this in fridge for a couple weeks (if it lasts that long).
