A Toast to the Season: My White Wine Wassail
There are few aromas that transport me back to the crisp air and twinkling lights of winter like the scent of simmering mulling spices. For years, my family’s holiday gatherings were punctuated by a steaming pot of something warm and fragrant, a beacon of comfort against the chill. One particular year, a dear aunt, always one for a creative culinary twist, unveiled her White Wine Wassail. The gentle warmth of the spices mingled with the bright, subtle fruitiness of the wine, creating a sophisticated and utterly delightful drink that felt both festive and elegant. It wasn’t just a beverage; it was an invitation to slow down, to savor the moment, and to embrace the spirit of the season with open arms and a grateful heart.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 10-12 (depending on serving size)
- Yield: 3 3/4 quarts
- Dietary Type: Adaptable (Non-alcoholic option available)
Ingredients
This recipe yields a generous quantity, perfect for sharing with a crowd. The magic lies in the balance of fruit concentrates and warming spices, with a sophisticated kiss of white wine.
- 8 cups water
- 2 (12-ounce) cans frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar
- 1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 15 whole cloves
- 6 cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches each)
- 3 cups good sweet white wine (a Riesling is a wonderful choice, but a Moscato or Gewürztraminer would also be lovely)
- Apple slices (for garnish, optional)
- Cheesecloth (optional)
- Kitchen twine (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle for stirring
- Small piece of cheesecloth and kitchen twine (if using the spice bag method) or a large tea ball/infuser
Instructions
Crafting this White Wine Wassail is a straightforward process, a fragrant symphony of simmering flavors that fills your home with an irresistible holiday perfume.
- Begin by gathering your ingredients and your largest pot. Into this pot, pour the water, the thawed frozen apple juice concentrate, the thawed frozen orange juice concentrate, the apricot nectar, and the thawed frozen lemonade concentrate. Add the light brown sugar.
- Now, it’s time for the aromatic spices. If you prefer an easy cleanup and want to avoid straining later, create a spice sachet. Take a small piece of cheesecloth and place the 15 whole cloves in the center. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie it securely with kitchen twine, leaving a long tail of twine so you can easily retrieve the sachet from the pot. Alternatively, you can place the cloves in a large tea ball or infuser. Drop this spice bundle into the pot.
- Next, gather the 6 cinnamon sticks together and tie them with a piece of kitchen twine, again leaving a long tail for easy removal. This keeps them from breaking apart and makes them simple to fish out later.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow the wassail to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are melding beautifully. It’s important to simmer, not boil vigorously, at this stage.
- After the simmering time, remove the spice sachet (the cheesecloth bundle with cloves) and the tied cinnamon sticks from the wassail. If you didn’t use a sachet, you may wish to strain the wassail through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any stray spices.
- Now for the sophisticated touch: Add the 3 cups of sweet white wine to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate it into the warm base.
- If you desire, you can garnish individual servings with fresh apple slices.
- Keep the White Wine Wassail warm over low heat. It can be served directly from the pot, or for a more casual gathering, you can transfer it to the warm setting on a crockpot to keep it at a perfect drinking temperature for an extended period.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Spice Level Customization: If you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to add a few star anise or a pinch of ground nutmeg to your cheesecloth sachet for an extra layer of complexity. Just be mindful that these can be potent, so start with a small amount.
- Wine Selection: While a sweet Riesling is recommended for its fruity notes that complement the concentrates beautifully, don’t be afraid to experiment. A Moscato offers a lighter, slightly effervescent quality, while a Gewürztraminer brings a hint of spice that can be lovely. Avoid dry wines, as they will overpower the delicate balance of the fruit.
- Making Ahead: The base of the wassail (before adding the wine) can be made a day in advance. Let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat it before proceeding with adding the wine.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: For a delightful non-alcoholic version, simply omit the white wine and substitute it with an equal amount of white grape juice or an additional can of thawed apple juice concentrate.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
White Wine Wassail is best served warm, its fragrant steam a welcoming invitation on a chilly day. Ladle it generously into mugs or heatproof glasses. The optional apple slices add a lovely visual touch and a hint of fresh fruit.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil once the wine has been added, as this can affect the flavor.
Nutritional Information
This is an approximation and will vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) | % Daily Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 910.5 | – |
| Calories from Fat | – | – |
| Total Fat | 1.1 g | 1 % |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 0 % |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium | 85.3 mg | 3 % |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.1 g | 64 % |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6 % |
| Sugars | 183.1 g | 732 % |
| Protein | 4.3 g | 8 % |
Note: The “% Daily Value” is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may be higher or lower depending on calorie needs.
Variations & Substitutions
- Citrus Zing: For an extra burst of citrus, add the zest of one orange and one lemon to the spice sachet.
- Berry Notes: A splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice concentrate could be an interesting addition, offering a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Spiced Rum Twist: For a more robust alcoholic option, consider adding a shot of spiced rum to each mug just before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this wassail without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! For a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply omit the white wine and substitute it with an equal amount of white grape juice or an additional can of thawed apple juice concentrate.
Q: How long can I keep the wassail warm?
A: The best way to keep it warm for an extended period without affecting the flavor is to use the warm setting on a crockpot. On the stovetop, keep it on the lowest possible heat setting, being careful not to let it boil.
Q: What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
A: A good sweet white wine is ideal. A Riesling is a classic choice, but you can also use a Moscato or a Gewürztraminer. Avoid dry wines, as they will create an unbalanced flavor profile.
Q: How do I avoid getting spices in my wassail?
A: The easiest method is to tie the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks together in a cheesecloth sachet with kitchen twine, or use a large tea ball infuser. This allows you to easily remove them before serving.
Q: Can I make the wassail base ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the base (before adding the wine) up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before adding the wine and serving.
Closing Thoughts
This White Wine Wassail is more than just a festive drink; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth that spreads from your hands to your heart, the convivial chatter it inspires, and the comforting aroma that envelops your senses. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, embrace the joy of the season, and let this fragrant, warming beverage be a part of your cherished memories. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your liking or experiment with different sweet white wines – the true magic of this recipe lies in its adaptability and the personal touch you bring to it. Cheers to the holidays and to delicious traditions!