Ingredients

  • 12 whole cloves
  • 6 whole allspice
  • 1/2 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 12 whole white peppercorns
  • 1 gallon fresh apple cider
  • 6 ounces cranberry juice
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 10-12 ounces bourbon
  • cheesecloth, kitchen string, large pot
  • mugs
  • ground nutmeg and 1 cinnamon stick per drink

Method

  • To make the wassail, wrap the cloves, allspice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen string. Combine the cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, and spice bag in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
  • For each serving, put one ounce of the bourbon into a mug and fill it with hot Wassail. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.