Embrace the cozy spirit of the holidays with the Virginia Spirits Wassail, a timeless punch recipe reimagined for the modern palette. This deeply warming elixir features crisp apple cider, brightened by fresh orange and lemon, and a complex melody of ground cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Finished with a generous pour of rich spiced rum, this comforting brew is the quintessential centerpiece for any festive gathering. Served hot, it is a truly transcendent holiday experience.
Prep: Gather all liquid components, spices, and sweetener, ensuring all citrus is freshly squeezed for optimal flavor. Measure the apple cider and all other ingredients into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
Mix: Over medium-high heat, combine the cider, citrus juices, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Gently stir the mixture to dissolve the brown sugar and fully incorporate the spices, being careful not to let the liquid reach a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the Wassail to simmer gently for a full two hours to let the complex spice notes fully infuse the base liquids.
Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and incorporate the Virginia spirits, stirring it thoroughly into the warmed punch. Ladle the hot Wassail directly into sturdy mugs.
Garnish: Complete this festive drink with a classic holiday flourish by adding a fresh cinnamon stick, a long, coiled orange peel, and a fragrant whole star anise to each mug.
