9 Festive Cocktails and Kid-Friendly Versions

A wassail is a traditional hot mulled cider that was quaffed as part of a-wassailing, a medieval southern English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest in the following year. Wassail means "be you healthy" and this wassail punch will ensure a good, healthy feeling. Bourbon gives this concoction a delightful taste for an adult punch. The kids won’t know what they are missing when you omit it from their drinks. 

Wassail punch

Serves 6–8

Ingredients:

• 6 cups apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• 4 cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
• 6–8 whole star anise, plus additional for garnish
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Juice of one lemon
• Bourbon (leave out for non-alcoholic version)

Directions:

• Combine ingredients (except bourbon) in a large Dutch oven.
• Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 2–3 hours.
• Add bourbon, if using and serve hot. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise.