From "The Infinite Feast: How to Host the Ones You Love—Recipes from the Big Easy . . . and Beyond" by Brian Theis, 2020 Click here for more on my best-selling cookbook.
Carolers' Wassail Punch
Makes 8 cups, about 12 servings
1 navel orange
16 whole cloves
2 quarts fresh apple cider
1 quart cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup honey
2 three-inch cinnamon sticks
6 whole allspice berries
12 black peppercorns
Insert cloves into orange in a festive pattern. In large pot, combine cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, honey. Tie cinnamon sticks, allspice and peppercorns in cheesecloth, add to pot.
Bring wassail almost to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove cheesecloth sachet.
Present the wassail in your best punch bowl with ladle, floating the orange for decoration, or serve in mugs.
Illustration by award-winning illustrator, Marco Marella, Venice, Italy, for The Infinite Feast.