In middle school I began hosting an annual Christmas party for the girls in my class. I felt very chic, acting as the hostess and putting together a menu alongside my mother. I always requested a Bouche de Noel (my taste was very mature for a 10-year-old), in addition to assorted cookies, brownies, and hot cocoa.
My mother always insisted on serving her wassail punch, which I didn't think was very cool, but I let it slide. As I got older, though, I began looking forward to the punch -- the smells of apple cider and cinnamon lingering through the house. Now I can't imagine Christmas without it!
In true Southern fashion, my mother's punch is just an "oh you know, a little bit of this and a little bit of that" recipe, but it didn't take long to recreate a version that reminds me of my youth. As I continue my tradition of annual holiday entertaining, you can rest assured this wassail punch always finds its way to the table (with a splash of bourbon for extra Christmas cheer).
Wassail Punch
Serves 6
6 cups apple cider
1 cup orange juice
4 cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
6-8 whole star anise, plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of allspice
Juice of one lemon
Bourbon or whiskey (optional, but highly recommended)
In a large dutch oven, bring all of the ingredients to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few hours. Serve hot; spike with bourbon/whiskey, if desired. Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Related: Good Question: Know a Great Holiday Punch?
(Images: Nealey Dozier)
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I always find that after simmering for so long cider gets way too sweet. Is this the intended result?
In my family, we add 1 cup of strong black tea, 1 cup of pineapple juice and omit the sugar. Gives it a little more tartness and oh so yummy!
Hee! Buche de Noel, not bouche de Noel - two different meanings!
Ahhh this is a holiday tradition in my house :) I guess it is a southern thing! Just hosted thanksgiving with friends in the city and made a huge crock pot of it. Similar recipe except mine calls for OJ and Lemonade from concentrate (add about 5 cups water in addition to the cide) cider, and pineapple juice. It makes the whole place smell AMAZING. Some of my friends said "I'm not into cider" or "I'm not a spiced drink person" but lemme tell you, after they had it with brandy (our preference),the pot was completely empty at the end of the night ;) Nothing better than drinking a cup in front of the fire with loved ones. Tip - continue to add a cup or so of water every couple of hours so it doesn't get strong.
I usually add more water to mine. BTW, I love those mugs! Where are they from?
That looks delicious! Where can I find Apple cider?
Patyy, try near the refrigerated juice section at the supermarket. Either that, or see if there's a special section where they have holiday drinks.
as tahitianpearl said: it's "bûche de noel"
bûche is a log, bouche is a mouth! ;)
You are more than welcome to add a couple of cups of water during the cooking process. This will definitely tone down the sweetness. In the end, it is all up to your personal preference.
Pierre, the mugs were purchased last year at Crate & Barrel. I use them for everything -- Irish coffee, cocoa, wassail, and more!!
We made the Alton Brown version of this over the weekend: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/wassail-recipe/index.html
It's an interesting combination of ale, Madeira (we used port), apples and spices (we omitted the eggs). It sounded kind of unpleasant, frankly, but turned out to be delicious! So much so that our Gluehwein party planned for next weekend has now morphed into a Wassail party. :)
Alcoholic cider is the real wassail cup/mulled cider, but if you can get really good cloudy apple juice that's good too. Never put sugar in mine. Sliced orange and apple are usual garnish.
LOVE MULLED CIDER - but then I am from SE England and grew up surrounded by centuries old traditions. :)
I love this recipe and think that it's perfect especially after Christmas, when a nice warm pick-me-up is in order. I included the link in my weekend links round-up. Thanks for the great idea.