Wassail Punch I

Servings: 48
Yield: 48 servings

Description

I was given this recipe when touring a home in our community that was presented in full period costume and celebration for the Christmas holiday. In 1821 a German settler brought to the area the first tree for decorating, presented the traditional Yule Log ceremony and offered Wassail Punch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon whole cloves
6 cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
3 3/4 cups white sugar
2 quarts water
2 quarts orange juice
2 cups lemon juice
1 gallon apple cider

Directions

1 Wrap the cloves, cinnamon stick, and ginger in cheese cloth, and tie with string.
2 In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water and spice bag. Simmer and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and refrigerate overnight.
3 Before serving, stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, and cider. Reheat over medium low flame, and serve warm. Be careful not to boil.