We have this every year at Christmas - though anytime during the fall would be a great time to break out this recipe! I have seen Wassail recipes that are similar to this but that add bitters and/or rum so I have included those as options. However, whenever we make it we leave out the bitters and rum. Just like a strawberry daiquiri (imo anyway), the alcohol doesn't particularly add anything to the drink.
06 sticks cinnamon
16 whole cloves
01 tsp ground Allspice
12 oz frozen apple juice concentrate, diluted (6 cups)
02 cups cranberry juice
1/4 cup sugar
01 tsp bitters (optional)
1/4 cup rum (optional)
Directions:
Tie spices together in food-grade cloth bag (or you can put them in a coffee filter and staple it closed). Combine juices, sugar and bitters. Simmer together 10 minutes and remove spice bag. Serve hot. May add rum before serving.
This can be made for a large group in a 30-cup electric percolator with the spices placed in the basket. Use the same amount of spices and multiply the rest of the recipe by four.
Makes about 8 servings.