Cozy Wassail Spiced Apple Cider: Easy Winter Drink
A warm, comforting winter drink made with unfiltered apple cider and whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This easy recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and offers a complex, spa-day flavor profile perfect for cozy nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 oz (1.9 liters) unfiltered apple cider
- 3 large whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 pods star anise
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into 1/4 inch rounds. Peel and slice the ginger into thin coins. Gather the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Pour the apple cider into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the orange slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching for small bubbles around the edges. Do not let it boil.
- Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Stir occasionally.
- Taste the cider and adjust sweetness or spice level if needed. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes if more spice is desired.
- Remove the pot from heat. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or mugs to remove all solids.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the drink taste cooked or metallic. Use whole spices rather than ground for a cleaner flavor and easier straining. If making for a crowd, keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for up to two hours. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: wassail, spiced apple cider, winter drink, holiday beverage, cozy recipes, gluten-free, vegan, easy drinks, warm cider