There’s something magical about this time of the year, where the cool breezes beckon us to cozy up with our loved ones and enjoy the comforting essence of seasonal delights. One recipe that captures this essence beautifully is Vanilla Wassail. Imagine a warm mug of this elegant drink, topped with a fragrant vanilla bean and a dash of cinnamon. It’s perfect for family gatherings, adding a touch of creativity and warmth to your celebrations. Whether it’s for festive occasions or a simple evening at home, Vanilla Wassail is a delightful tradition that brings everyone together.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Ingredients
- 6 cups of apple cider
- 2 cups of orange juice
- 1/3 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Add the brown sugar, stirring until it dissolves completely.
- Place the vanilla bean and seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, and ginger into a spice bag or cheesecloth, securing it tightly.
- Submerge the spice bag into the juice mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse beautifully.
- Remove the spice bag from the pot and discard it.
- Ladle the warm wassail into mugs, garnishing each with a cinnamon stick and a piece of vanilla bean if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with family and friends.
Helpful Tips
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, allow the wassail to simmer a bit longer.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- Feel free to use ground spices if you don’t have whole spices; just strain the mixture before serving.
Storage and Ingredient Substitutions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
You can substitute the apple cider with apple juice for a different, yet still delicious, flavor.
Pairings
Vanilla Wassail pairs wonderfully with gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or a slice of warm apple pie. For drinks, consider serving alongside a spiced chai latte or an eggnog for a delightful holiday spread.
We hope you enjoy making and sipping on this delightful Vanilla Wassail as much as we do at Zynahz. We would love to see your beautiful creations, so don’t forget to share them using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram! Visit our website at Zynahz.com to leave your feedback and share your experience. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, and follow us on social media for daily inspiration and culinary adventures.
