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

  1. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, chai tea, orange slices, honey (or maple syrup), 2 cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and nutmeg.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove the whole spices and orange slices.
  4. Pour the warm wassail into mugs and garnish each with a star anise and cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
  5. 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!

Last Update: November 28, 2024