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Quick Wassail with Cranberry and Cloves: Best Easy Winter Recipe

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This quick wassail with cranberry and cloves is a fast, bright, and satisfying winter drink that comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with pantry-friendly ingredients like cranberry juice, apple cider, and whole cloves, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
  • 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed or bottled)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons whole cloves (do not use ground)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 1 large orange (for studding with cloves and slicing)

Instructions

  1. Stud the orange with cloves: Poke holes in the orange with a skewer or toothpick and push whole cloves into the holes (about 15-20 cloves).
  2. Combine the liquids in a large pot: Pour in cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice. Add honey or maple syrup and whisk until dissolved.
  3. Add the spices: Drop in the clove-studded orange, cinnamon sticks, and allspice berries. Stir once.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil hard.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let it steep for 10 minutes. Taste at 5 minutes if you prefer a milder spice.
  6. Strain the wassail through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or serving pot to remove whole spices and orange. Discard solids.
  7. Ladle into warm mugs and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not use ground cloves; they will make the drink gritty and overpowering. For a spiked version, add 1/2 cup dark rum or bourbon after straining. For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; flavors deepen over time. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: wassail, cranberry, cloves, winter drink, holiday drink, easy recipe, quick wassail, mulled drink

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-wassail-with-cranberry-and-cloves-best-easy-winter-recipe/