As we approach the holiday season and cooler days, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a traditional holiday beverage. Most of these beverages are designed to be warm/hot to comfort you during the cold months, but they can also be enjoyed cold. As with most food/beverage items, these are available commercially, but as per usual it is always better when you can make it fresh at home. This gives you more control over the ingredients, almost always tastes better and will make your house smell amazing. Enjoy

Apple Cider (modified from delish.com)

10 apples (honeycrisp or granny smith)
½ orange, halved
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
½c dark brown sugar

• In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with water by at least 2”. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours.
• Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids. Serve Warm and with cinnamon stick

Wassail: a spicier version of apple cider!

4 cups of apple cider (you could use some from the above recipe)
½ inch nub of fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced
2 lemons, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
3 star anise
½ vanilla bean or 1 oz vanilla extract

• In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and simmer for at least an hour.
• Garnish with lemon/orange/apple slices, cinnamon stick and/or star anise.
• Both beverages can be modified based on personal taste preference. Be sure to let your cider or wassail cool completely before refrigerating and discard after two weeks.