In these last few days of winter where the evenings are still a little chilly and you crave a warm drink, here’s a delicious recipe for a potent punch that is warm going down your throat and spreads like molten nectar through you.
The name of this punch, Wassail, means ‘be you healthy’ in Old English. It comes from an ancient English drinking ritual but in modern times is a drink associated with winters and warm, happy gatherings.
This is a heady drink and it packs a wallop that’ll warm you up and keep you going all night.
Wassail Punch
Serves 6 (Ingredients modified to serve 20 in brackets)
Ingredients
3 cups (2 liters) Apple Juice
3 cups (2 liters) Beer
1 cup (1 liter) Orange Juice
4 (12-16) Cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
6 - 8 (12-16) Whole Star Anise, plus additional for garnish
Juice of 1 (4-5) Lemons
100 ml Bourbon or Whiskey or Dark Rum (375ml) to spike the hot punch. We love Old Monk for this.
Directions
Pour all the ingredients except the bourbon/whiskey/rum into a large pot and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow the potion to simmer for a few hours. Spike with bourbon/whiskey/rum just before serving. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise. Serve hot.
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