Wassail (Hot Spiced Cider)

Warm, aromatic and delicious. Great for holiday entertaining. Thanksgiving and Christmas are never without this kept warm in a crockpot. Has been a part of our traditional family feasts for years! We do not usually add alcohol, but some rum may be a good addition to this recipe.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 2  quarts apple cider
• 1  quart  100% cranberry juice cocktail
• 2  cinnamon sticks
• 1  teaspoon whole cloves
• 1  orange, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1  cup brown sugar

Directions

1. Place cloves and cinnamon sticks into a cheese cloth and tie with twist tie. (A coffee filter also works well).
2. Mix liquids and brown sugar in a crockpot or in a large kettle. Float the sac with spices in crockpot or kettle. Place sliced oranges on top of wassail.
3. Heat on high (crockpot) or medium heat (stovetop)to desired temperature (would not recommend boiling) and then keep warm on low in the crockpot or on the stovetop. Wassail will have more flavor if it is kept at higher temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
4. To reduce bitterness, the orange slices should be removed from crockpot or kettle after several hours.