Spiced Cranberry Wassail Delight
This delightful Spiced Cranberry Wassail is a cherished recipe that hails from my mother-in-law, inspired by her time living in Germany. It's a fragrant and flavorful punch that combines the tartness of cranberry with the warmth of spices, making it the perfect companion for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or chilly evenings by the fire. Feel free to spike it with your favorite spirit to transform it into an adult beverage—it's sure to warm the hearts of your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Family-size tea bags
1 (or 3 regular tea bags)
Nutmeg
1/4 (teaspoon, ground)
Cinnamon
1 1/4 (teaspoons, ground)
Allspice
1/4 (teaspoon, ground)
Jellied cranberry sauce
1 (1 lb) can (smooth texture)
Orange juice
1/2 (cup, fresh or bottled)
ReaLemon juice
1/4 (cup)
Water
5 1/2 (cups, divided)
Sugar
3/4 (cup or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a small piece of paper coffee filter, add nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Gather the edges and tie securely with string, creating a spice sachet.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the tea bags and the spice sachet in the hot water for about 5 minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, 1 1/2 cups of boiling water, and 3/4 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and free of lumps.
4
Stir in the orange juice, ReaLemon juice, and the additional 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Mix well.
5
Remove the tea bags and the spice sachet from the saucepan and discard. Pour the brewed tea into the cranberry mixture and stir until combined.
6
Transfer the mixture to a Dutch oven or crock pot to keep warm. Optionally, add additional water for desired strength, as it can be diluted to taste.
7
Serve warm in mugs, and add a splash of your favorite spirit if desired. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your Spiced Cranberry Wassail Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cranberry Wassail Delight?
It is a fragrant and flavorful punch that combines the tartness of cranberry with the warmth of spices, often served warm for gatherings.
Where does this wassail recipe come from?
This recipe is a cherished family tradition inspired by the creator's mother-in-law and her time living in Germany.
Is this wassail served hot or cold?
This beverage is traditionally served warm in mugs, making it ideal for chilly evenings or holiday celebrations.
What type of tea bags should I use?
You can use one family-size tea bag or three regular-sized tea bags for this recipe.
What spices are included in the spice sachet?
The spice sachet consists of ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice tied inside a paper coffee filter.
How do I prepare the spice sachet?
Add the spices to a small piece of paper coffee filter, gather the edges, and tie them securely with string.
What kind of cranberry sauce is required?
The recipe calls for one 1 lb can of jellied cranberry sauce to ensure a smooth texture.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar, though this can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What juices are added to the mixture?
The recipe includes orange juice (fresh or bottled) and ReaLemon juice.
How long should the tea and spices steep?
The tea bags and the spice sachet should steep in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
What is the best way to blend the cranberry sauce?
Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the jellied cranberry sauce with boiling water and sugar until the mixture is smooth.
Can I make this recipe in a crock pot?
Yes, once combined, the mixture can be transferred to a crock pot or Dutch oven to keep it warm for serving.
Is this beverage alcoholic?
The base recipe is non-alcoholic, but it can be spiked with your favorite spirit to create an adult version.
Can I dilute the wassail if it is too strong?
Yes, you can add additional water to the mixture to reach your desired strength and flavor profile.
How much total water is needed?
A total of 5 1/2 cups of water is used, divided among the different preparation steps.
What is the purpose of the ReaLemon juice?
The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the cranberry.
Can I use fresh orange juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that you can use either fresh or bottled orange juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses 5 1/2 cups of water plus juice and sauce, making it a substantial batch for a punch bowl or pot.
What should I do with the tea bags and spice sachet after steeping?
Once the steeping time is complete, remove them from the saucepan and discard them before mixing with the cranberry base.
Does this recipe have any German influence?
Yes, it was inspired by the creator's mother-in-law's experiences living in Germany.
Is this wassail good for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as the perfect companion for holiday celebrations and cozy gatherings.
What is the measurement for the cinnamon?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What is the measurement for the nutmeg?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What is the measurement for the allspice?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
What vessel is recommended for serving?
It is recommended to serve the wassail warm in mugs.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and keep it warm in a slow cooker until your guests arrive.
Is the texture of the drink smooth or chunky?
Because it uses jellied cranberry sauce and is whisked or mixed, the resulting texture is smooth.
Is there any protein in this drink?
Based on the recipe data, there is no significant protein content in this beverage.
What provides the tartness in this recipe?
The tartness comes from both the jellied cranberry sauce and the citrus juices.
Can I use a different sweetener?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, but you could likely substitute with another sweetener of your choice to taste.