She Strengthens

Winter’s Warmest Toast: A Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. This ancient drink, known as wassail, has been a staple of winter celebrations for centuries. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase “waes haeil,” meaning “be whole,” wassail was traditionally a hot drink made with ale, sherry, sugar, and spices, served with pieces of toast and roasted apples floating in it.

A Rich History

Wassail was often served on the Feast of the Three Kings, accompanied by an oversized, decorated sweet yeast bread. In medieval times, revelers would carry a large bowl from door to door, asking for it to be filled, a custom known as wassailing. Today, there are many versions of wassail, but the core ingredients remain the same: apple juice, spices, and a touch of sweetness.

A Modern Twist

This recipe puts a modern spin on the traditional wassail, using unfiltered apple juice, cranberry juice, and a hint of Calvados to create a deliciously spiced and spiked drink. The addition of roasted apples and orange peel adds a depth of flavor and aroma that’s sure to warm even the coldest of winter nights.

Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Yield: 18 drinks
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 6 hours
Active Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
• 1 quart cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 27 whole cloves
• 15 allspice berries
• 4 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 5 small firm cooking apples of your choice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 medium orange
• 2 cups Calvados

Instructions:

1. Combine the Juices: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the apple juice, cranberry juice, and brown sugar.
2. Prepare the Spice Bag: Place 12 of the cloves, the allspice berries, and the cinnamon sticks in a small piece of cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine.
3. Roast the Apples: Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Stud each apple with 3 of the remaining cloves and place in an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Add the water and bake until the apples are just tender, about 45 minutes.
4. Add the Apples and Orange Peel: After the juices have stewed for 4 to 5 hours, add the roasted apples and orange peel to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the Calvados: Remove the spice bag and stir in the Calvados. Serve hot, leaving the slow cooker on to keep the cocktail warm.

Gather ‘Round

This spiced apple cider recipe is perfect for winter gatherings and holiday parties. Serve it in mugs or heat-proof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice. As you raise a glass to toast the season, remember the ancient tradition of wassail and the warmth it brings to those around you.