Holiday Wassail

Bonnye Wallace

This recipe has become a family tradition - we make it up every Christmas. Nothing like hot wassail to make you feel all warm and cozy and Christmassy! It makes quite a bit, so it's great for a party, or store the extra in the fridge for another day.

2 1/2 cups sugar

4 cups water

10 whole cloves

2 sticks cinnamon

Small piece of ginger

1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade

1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice

1 gallon apple cider

red food color (optional)

Combine water and sugar. Add cloves, cinnamon, and ginger root in spice bag.  Bring to boil, then simmer for 1 hour.  Add lemonade, orange juice, and amounts of water called for on cans.  Add apple cider and red food coloring. Serve hot or cold.  Makes two gallons.