Festive Apple Pie Wassail
Indulge in the warm, nostalgic flavors of the holidays with this Festive Apple Pie Wassail. This delightful punch is a blend of rich, spiced apple cider and creamy spirits, creating a drink that tastes like a cozy slice of hot apple pie in a cup. Crafted with care, it's perfect for gatherings during the holiday season, warming guest hearts and bodies alike. Although it requires some time to prepare, the process is well worth the effort as it fills your home with the inviting aroma of spices and baked apples. This recipe serves a generous crowd, so it's ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even a quiet evening by the fire with friends. Prepare it the night before for optimal flavor and convenience, and serve it warm from a punch bowl or a large pot on the stove. Your guests will be singing your praises long after the last drop is poured!
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unfiltered apple cider
1 gallon (heat until warmed through)
peeled baked apples
2 cups (cut into medium small pieces)
water
1/3 cup (boil with spices)
sugar
1 cup (boil with water and spices)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (add to boiling mixture)
ginger
1/2 teaspoon (add to boiling mixture)
mace
1/4 teaspoon (add to boiling mixture)
whole cloves
6 (add to boiling mixture)
allspice berries
6 (add to boiling mixture)
cinnamon sticks
3 (add to boiling mixture)
cream sherry
2 cups (warm gently)
brandy
1/2-1 cup (warm gently and adjust to taste)
eggs
3 (separated into egg whites and yolks)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat together the unfiltered apple cider and the peeled, baked apple pieces over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
2
In a separate saucepan, combine water, sugar, nutmeg, ginger, mace, cloves, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In another saucepan, gently heat the cream sherry and brandy, ensuring they are warm but not boiling.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks, then set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they turn creamy and light in color.
6
Carefully fold the stiff egg whites into the creamy egg yolks, a little at a time, while stirring constantly.
7
Gradually add the spice mixture to the egg mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate.
8
Next, add in the warmed cream sherry and brandy, mixing thoroughly.
9
Finally, incorporate the heated cider and apple mixture into the festive blend, stirring until well combined.
10
Serve the wassail warm in a punch bowl or directly from a large pot. Before serving, remove the cloves and allspice berries to avoid any choking hazards. If the wassail cools down, simply reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1g
Protein
18g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Apple Pie Wassail?
It is a warm, holiday punch that blends spiced apple cider with creamy spirits to create a flavor profile similar to a hot apple pie.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The wassail features rich flavors of unfiltered apple cider, baked apples, nutmeg, ginger, mace, cloves, and cinnamon.
Is this drink served hot or cold?
This wassail is served warm, making it an ideal beverage for cold winter gatherings and holiday parties.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it the night before for optimal flavor and convenience, then reheat gently before serving.
What type of alcohol is used in this wassail?
This recipe uses cream sherry and brandy to provide a rich, alcoholic base.
How much brandy should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 cup of brandy, allowing you to adjust the amount to your personal taste.
What kind of apple cider is best?
Unfiltered apple cider is recommended for a deeper, more authentic apple flavor.
How do I prepare the apples for this recipe?
The apples should be peeled, baked, and then cut into medium-small pieces before being heated with the cider.
Are there eggs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses three eggs, with the whites and yolks separated and whisked to create a creamy texture.
What is the purpose of the egg whites?
The egg whites are whisked into stiff peaks and folded into the yolks to add a light, airy, and creamy consistency to the drink.
How long should the spice mixture simmer?
The mixture of water, sugar, and spices should be brought to a boil and simmered for 5 minutes.
Which whole spices are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 whole cloves, 6 allspice berries, and 3 cinnamon sticks.
Should I remove the whole spices before serving?
Yes, you should remove the cloves and allspice berries before serving to avoid any potential choking hazards.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 90 calories, 0.8g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 18g of sugar.
Is there any fiber in this drink?
No, this recipe does not contain a significant amount of dietary fiber.
How much sugar is in the Festive Apple Pie Wassail?
There is 1 cup of sugar added to the spice mixture, resulting in 18g of sugar per serving.
What spices are used in ground form?
The recipe uses ground nutmeg, ginger, and mace.
How should I reheat the wassail if it cools down?
Simply place the mixture back on the stove or keep it in a large pot and reheat it gently until it reaches the desired temperature.
What is the best way to serve a large crowd?
The wassail can be served directly from a large punch bowl or kept warm in a large pot on the stove during the party.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make this Festive Apple Pie Wassail.
What is the preparation method for the egg yolks?
The egg yolks should be whisked in a large bowl until they are creamy and light in color.
Do I need to boil the cream sherry and brandy?
No, the spirits should be warmed gently but not allowed to reach a boil.
Can I use a different type of sherry?
The recipe specifically calls for cream sherry to maintain the drink's rich and smooth texture.
What is the role of mace in this recipe?
Mace provides a delicate, warm spice flavor that complements the nutmeg and ginger.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
While it requires several steps and separate saucepans, the process is straightforward and well worth the effort for the final result.
How much apple cider is needed?
You will need 1 gallon of unfiltered apple cider.
Does the recipe contain protein?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of protein per serving, largely due to the inclusion of eggs.
What is the consistency of the finished drink?
The combination of whisked eggs and heated cider creates a rich, creamy, and festive blend.
Is this drink suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly beverage, though it does contain eggs and alcohol.
How does the wassail affect the atmosphere of the home?
The preparation process fills the home with an inviting aroma of baked apples and holiday spices.