Red-Wine Wassail Recipe ๐ท๐
Overview:
Red-Wine Wassail is a delightful punch beverage perfect for entertaining a group of good friends during the festive season. This warm and spicy drink features the rich flavors of red wine infused with aromatic spices and sweetened with the natural goodness of apples. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy drink on a chilly evening, this Red-Wine Wassail recipe is sure to impress!
Quick Stats:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
White sugar | 3 cups |
Seedless raisins | 2/3 cup |
Red wine | 2/3 cup |
Cinnamon sticks | 1/2 stick |
Cloves | 2 cloves |
Apples | 2 |
Whole cloves | 24 cloves |
Almonds | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Wassail Base:
- In a large saucepan or kettle, combine the apple juice, sugar, almonds, and raisins.
- Slowly stir in the red wine until well combined.
-
Infuse with Spices:
- Take a large piece of cheesecloth and place the cinnamon sticks and 24 whole cloves on it.
- Bundle up the spices by tying the cheesecloth with a string to create a spice bag.
- Drop the spice bag into the red wine mixture.
-
Simmer Gently:
- Heat the mixture slowly over low heat, ensuring it does not boil.
- Allow the flavors to meld together, infusing the wassail with the essence of the spices.
-
Prepare Baked Apples:
- Meanwhile, prepare the unique garnish by stuffing the center of each apple with 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Insert a few whole cloves into each apple for added flavor.
- Place the prepared apples in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Bake the Apples:
- Cover the baking dish and bake the apples at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
- The baked apples can be prepared ahead of time, adding convenience to your entertaining schedule.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Just before serving, pour the heated wassail into a large punch bowl.
- Remove the spice bag, discarding it, and then add the baked apples to the wassail.
- The warm, fragrant aroma of the wassail combined with the sweetness of the baked apples will entice your guests and make this beverage a memorable part of any gathering.
-
Enjoy Responsibly:
- Savor each sip of this comforting Red-Wine Wassail responsibly, and relish in the joy of good company and festive cheer.
Recipe Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar, or experiment with different spices for a unique flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: This wassail can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
- Garnish Ideas: Get creative with your garnishes! In addition to baked apples, you can add orange slices, lemon zest, or fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
- Presentation: Serve the wassail in decorative mugs or glasses, and garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for an elegant presentation.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 367.6
- Fat: 3.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 9.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.9g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 48.8g
- Protein: 1.8g
Recipe Keywords:
Beverages, Fruit, Nuts, Canadian, European, Vegan, Winter, Spicy, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy
Indulge in the warmth and flavor of this Red-Wine Wassail recipe, and create lasting memories with loved ones as you celebrate the joys of the season. Cheers to good friends, good times, and delicious drinks! ๐ฅ๐