As the crisp air of autumn gently ushers in the cozy days of winter, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of Spicy Chai Wassail. This delightful beverage, brimming with the tantalizing aromas of cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, is perfect for family gatherings or serene moments of solitude with a good book by the fire. Spicy Chai Wassail is more than just a drink—it’s an embrace of warmth and tradition, thoughtfully crafted to bring a symphony of spices to your senses.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups strong brewed chai tea
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 star anise for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, chai tea, orange slices, honey (or maple syrup), 2 cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove the whole spices and orange slices.
- Pour the warm wassail into mugs and garnish each with a star anise and cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of the season in a mug.
Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, brew your chai tea with an extra chai tea bag or two.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup and adjust to taste.
- This wassail can also be made in a slow cooker; simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Spicy Chai Wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Substitutions
- If you don’t have cardamom pods, you can use a pinch of ground cardamom instead.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with brown sugar for a different depth of sweetness.
Pairings
Pair your Spicy Chai Wassail with warm, buttery scones or a slice of spiced gingerbread for a delightful treat. For a savory option, try it alongside a cheese board with aged cheddar and roasted nuts.
We hope this Spicy Chai Wassail recipe wraps you in warmth and joy! Share your spicy creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram @Zynahz. Visit www.zynahz.com to leave feedback and discover more delightful recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and follow us on social media to stay connected!