Baked Apple Wassail with Ginger and Cloves
Traditional wassail made with apple cider, a soft baked apple, ginger, cinnamon and cloves, plus optional brandy. Serves 6 and keeps warm for a party.
Nothing says winter to me like a pot of spiced apple drink on the stove. I love that the baked apple melts into the cider and gives it a little extra body and sweetness. The smell alone brings everyone into the kitchen.
Saúl’s Tip
Tie the whole spices in a small piece of cheesecloth if you have it, so they are easy to fish out. Whole spices give a clean flavor, while ground ones leave the drink gritty.
Tips for Success
- Choose a firm baking apple. It holds together in the oven and breaks apart nicely in the pan.
- Keep the heat low. Boiling takes away the fresh apple taste.
- Taste before adding all the sugar, since ciders vary in sweetness.
- Pull out the cloves and ginger before you serve, so nobody bites into them.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make the wassail up to 2 days ahead without the brandy. Cool and refrigerate, then reheat over low heat until steaming. For a party, keep it in a slow cooker on warm for up to 3 hours, and add the brandy right before serving.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic swap: simply leave out the brandy. The wassail is full of flavor without it.
- Replace the brandy with dry sherry or spiced rum.
- Add a handful of cranberries to the pan for color.
Baked Apple Wassail with Ginger and Cloves
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut a thin slice off the bottom of the apple so it stands steady. Place it in a small baking dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apple is soft when you poke it with a fork. Let it cool slightly.
- While the apple bakes, pour the cider into a large saucepan. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger and nutmeg.
- Warm over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Add the baked apple to the pan and break it into chunks with a wooden spoon, so its sweet flesh melts into the cider.
- Keep on low heat for 10 more minutes, until steaming and fragrant.
- Stir in the brandy, if using, and warm for 1 more minute.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs, leaving the cloves and ginger behind. Garnish each with an orange slice and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wassail?
Wassail is a warm, spiced apple drink traditionally served at Christmas gatherings and caroling parties. Most versions use apple cider and warm spices.
Is wassail alcoholic?
Not unless you add brandy. The base is made only of cider, spices and sugar, so it is family-friendly without the brandy.
Can I make wassail in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add everything except the brandy to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 hours. Stir in the brandy just before serving.
