As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a hot beverage to bring friends and family together. One of my all-time favorites is the Old Virginia Wassail Cider. I remember the first time I sipped this delightful concoction at a family gathering during the holidays. The aroma of spices mingling with the sweet tang of apple cider instantly filled the room with a sense of cozy cheer. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you on www.homemaderecipe.blog. This cider is more than just a drink; it’s an invitation to create memories with loved ones, a comforting hug in a mug.
Why You’ll Love This Cider
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Old Virginia Wassail Cider, and here are just a few:
- Perfect for Gatherings: This cider is a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly caters to large groups, making it an ideal choice for holiday parties and family get-togethers. With servings for 15, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. The recipe is easily scalable, so if you’re expecting a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time and a total time of 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those last-minute gatherings or spontaneous cozy nights by the fire. It’s a no-fuss beverage that allows you to spend more time enjoying your guests and less time in the kitchen.
- Warm and Inviting: The blend of apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice creates a unique and delightful flavor profile that’s both sweet and tart, while the spices add a warm, aromatic touch. The combination is reminiscent of a traditional mulled cider but with its own unique twist.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Substitute honey for a different sweetener, or add more spices for an extra kick. Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version, or keep it alcohol-free for a family-friendly option.
- Health Benefits: This cider isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. The combination of juices provides a good dose of Vitamin C, while the spices bring their own array of health benefits. It’s a comforting way to support your immune system during the colder months.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
- 2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- ½ cup honey
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large stockpot over medium heat, gently combine the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and honey. Give it a good stir to ensure the honey dissolves evenly. Use a wooden spoon to avoid any metallic taste from metal utensils.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This process helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from boiling over.
- Simmer: Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, transfer everything to a slow cooker to keep warm for serving, a great option for all-day events. The slow cooker method also allows the flavors to develop even more over time.
- Strain and Serve: Before serving, you may want to strain out the cinnamon sticks and cloves, or use a cheesecloth or teabag infuser to make removal easier. Pour into mugs, and if you like, add a cinnamon stick to each cup for a charming garnish. This not only adds to the presentation but also infuses each serving with extra flavor.
- Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the comforting warmth of Old Virginia Wassail Cider with your guests. Consider serving with a twist of orange peel or a dash of nutmeg for added aroma and flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 26mg
- Calcium: 24mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 192mg
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Old Virginia Wassail Cider, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Large Stockpot: Essential for combining and heating the ingredients. A large size ensures you can accommodate all the liquid without any spills. Opt for one with a lid to help retain heat.
- Slow Cooker (optional): If you’re hosting a gathering, a slow cooker is perfect for keeping your cider warm throughout the event. It also frees up stove space for other dishes.
- Cheesecloth or Teabag Infuser: Handy for containing the cloves and making them easy to remove before serving. This prevents guests from accidentally biting into a clove.
- Ladle: Useful for serving the cider into mugs without making a mess. A ladle with a spout can help with precision.
- Mugs: Of course, you’ll need some cozy mugs to serve this delightful beverage. Consider using festive mugs for a holiday touch or glass mugs to showcase the beautiful color of the cider.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this Old Virginia Wassail Cider plays an important role in creating its delightful flavor and providing health benefits:
- Apple Cider: The star of the show, apple cider brings a natural sweetness and quintessential fall flavor. It’s rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, supporting your immune system. Choose a high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
- Orange Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus note and boosts the Vitamin C content, which is great for warding off those winter colds. Freshly squeezed juice will enhance the freshness.
- Pineapple Juice: Offers a tropical twist that enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor. Pineapple juice is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial during cold and flu season.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Not only do they provide warmth and spice, but cinnamon sticks are also packed with antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Opt for Ceylon cinnamon for a milder flavor.
- Whole Cloves: These little spices are powerful! Cloves bring a rich, aromatic flavor to the cider and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also aid in digestion.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of the juices. Honey also offers soothing properties, perfect for a sore throat. Local honey can also help with seasonal allergies.
What to Serve With This Cider
Old Virginia Wassail Cider is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement your cider:
- Savory Snacks: Pair it with savory appetizers like cheese platters, smoked meats, or a hearty charcuterie board. The sweet and spicy notes of the cider balance out savory flavors perfectly. Add some pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
- Desserts: Serve alongside classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls. The spices in the cider will enhance the rich flavors of these desserts. Consider a dollop of spiced whipped cream on top of your dessert for an extra indulgence.
- Main Courses: Consider pairing with roasted turkey or a glazed ham for a festive dinner. The cider’s sweetness can cut through the savory richness of these dishes. For a vegetarian option, try it with a roasted squash dish.
Looking for more cozy recipes? Check out our Hearty Chicken Pot Pie or Classic Beef Stew on the blog.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftover Old Virginia Wassail Cider, don’t worry! It stores beautifully and can be enjoyed again:
- Refrigeration: Allow the cider to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, use a glass container to preserve the flavors.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over low heat. Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the flavors. Alternatively, use your slow cooker on the low setting for gentle reheating.
- Freezing: If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the cider in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serving Leftovers: When serving leftover cider, give it a good stir to recombine the flavors, as they may have settled during storage. You can also add fresh spices if you find the flavor has mellowed too much.
For more tips on storing holiday drinks, visit Food Network for expert advice.
As you gather around with your loved ones, I hope this Old Virginia Wassail Cider brings warmth and joy to your home, just as it has to mine. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and create cherished memories with family and friends. Cheers to cozy gatherings and delicious traditions!
Old Virginia Wassail Cider
Warm up your guests with this quick and delicious hot cider drink, perfect for cold-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Method
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, combine apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and honey.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer over low heat, or transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm while serving.
- If desired, strain out the cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving.
- Enjoy the warm and comforting Old Virginia Wassail Cider with your guests!
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 1gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick. You can also use a teabag infuser for the cloves to make removal easy.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!