Rittenhouse wassail punch

Rittenhouse Wassail Punch

Via Julie Phillips, Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin

Serves 10 to 12.

12 whole cloves 6 whole allspice 1/2 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 12 whole white peppercorns 1 gallon fresh apple cider 6 oz. cranberry juice 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 oz. bourbon per drink Tools: cheesecloth, kitchen string Glasses: mugs Garnish: ground nutmeg and 1 cinnamon stick per drink

To make the wassail: Wrap the cloves, allspice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen string. In a large pot, heat the cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, and spice bag. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

To make the drink: Add the bourbon to a mug and fill with hot Wassail. Garnish with a dusting of the nutmeg and the cinnamon stick.