English Wassail (Warm Winter Citrus Punch)~ Family

  This wonderful warm winter drink has plenty of vitamin C.

It is served in our home throughout the month of December.

                              
Ingredients:
1 or 1 1/2 cups honey or sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
5 cups of water
1 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

5 sticks cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 (12 ounce) cans frozen orange juice concentrate
1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

Method:
Mix sugar, water, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg in a pot on stove. Boil 2 minutes. Let sit (covered) overnight.
On second day, strain and add defrosted orange juice, prepared as directed, with added water. Also add  defrosted frozen lemonade, prepared as directed, with added water. Let sit for 2 hours. Heat, don't boil. Serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Reheat by the cupful in microwave. Makes 23 cups.
Even though this makes lots, the recipe can be doubled.

Notes: 
I combine the syrup and juices in my crockpot and heat on low. When heated, I lower the heat to the "warm" setting. After serving, I let the wassail cool and then store in glass or plastic bottles or pitchers with lids. 

Brewing English Breakfast tea in a cup of wassail.

Sometimes, for an added "pick me up," I add a teabag to my hot cup of Wassail . Sometimes, on a chilly evening, people like to add a dash of Gran Marnier, Rum or Whiskey to their mug of wassail, but it really is great just as is.