Learn how to make wassail cocktails with real apple cider, ginger, lemon, spices and, of course, bourbon. Wassails are perfect for warming up on cold days! Recipe yields 4 to 6 cocktails, depending on how much of the warm cider mixture you use per drink.

Homemade Wassail

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice, doctored up with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice)
• ½ inch nub of fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise (optional, but they’re pretty!)
• ½ vanilla bean, slit down the middle with the insides scooped out (or ¼ ounce vanilla extract)
• Bourbon (plan on about 1 ½ ounces per drink. I used Jim Beam)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all of the nonalcoholic ingredients and simmer for at least thirty minutes, preferably over an hour.
2. Use a jigger or shot glass to measure bourbon into mugs. Pour in your hot spiced cider. Ideas for garnishing: cinnamon sticks, star anise, lemon slices and/or thinly sliced red apple (highly recommended).

https://cookieandkate.com/wassail-cocktail/