Wassail • 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks plus 8 for garnish • 10 whole allspice • 8 whole cloves • 1 qt cranberry juice cocktail • 1 qt apple cider • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 Granny Smith apple • 1 cup Calvados or apple liqueur • Special equipment: a 6- by 4-inch piece of cheesecloth; kitchen string Wrap 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth and tie with string. Simmer cranberry juice, cider, sugar, and spice bag in a 5-quart heavy pot, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, 10 minutes. Halve apple and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Add apple slices and Calvados to cider mixture and simmer 2 minutes (slices will remain crisp). Serve hot and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Serves 8. |  |