Warm & Spicy Red Wine Wassail

This is a red wine version of a drink often enjoyed during wassailing, a Medieval tradition. It’s warm, spicy, and will make your home smell like the holidays.

Ingredients:

5-6 whole cloves

3 cups fresh apple cider

2 cups orange juice

6 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 cinnamon sticks

6 cups dry red wine

Orange, apple, and lemon slices, optional garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients except for wine and orange slices and bring to boil.
2. Immediately reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
3. Strain in a mesh strainer and return to pot.
4. Stir in wine.
5. Keep warm until ready to serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange, apple, and lemon slices.