Spiced wassail punch
Wassail can be a salutation, like 'cheers, but is also a term for mulled cider, wine or ale, as well as a classic English Twelfth Night celebration. This version is non-alcoholic, but will still warm you after a skip and sing-song around a frosty orchard. Traditionally, it’s served with toasted bread or fruit loaf for dipping, but there’s no judgement here if you’d rather have a mince pie.
- Serves4
- CourseDrink
- Prepare10 mins
- Cook10 mins
- Total time20 mins
Ingredients
- 500ml pressed apple juice
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 juniper berries, lightly crushed
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp clear honey
- 1 unwaxed lemon, sliced
- 1 red apple, thinly sliced
- 1 drop/s rose water (optional)
Method
Pour the apple juice into a pan and add the spices, honey, ½ of the lemon slices and the apple slices.
Heat gently until simmering (5-7minutes). Add a drop of rose water, if using. Remove from the heat, then strain into 4 heatproof cups or glasses. Garnish with the remaining lemon slices.
Cook’s tip
If you’d like to make this boozy, either add a splash of brandy or Calvados to each cup or skip the rosewater and use half apple juice and half cider.