Winter drinks

In an effort to keep up with my little brother I decided to post my own recipe for winter drinks.

Tea and Cider Wassail
bhg.com

Ingredients
• 6 cups freshly brewed hot tea
• 6 cups cranberry juice
• 6 cups apple cider or apple juice
• 3 cups orange juice
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1-1/4 cups lemon juice
• 9 inches stick cinnamon, broken
• 3/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• Apple slices (optional)

Directions1.
1. In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven, combine tea, cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, sugar, and lemon juice. For spice bag, place cinnamon and cloves in the center of a double-thick, 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring the corners of the cheesecloth together and tie with clean string. Add spice bag to juice mixture.

2. Bring mixture to boiling, stirring with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove and discard spice bag.

3. To serve, ladle the wassail into a heatproof punch bowl. If desired, garnish with apple slices. Makes about 22 (8-ounce) servings.

4. Slow-Cooker Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove and discard spice bag. Keep warm on low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.

For the tea I just got a raspberry herbal tea at any supermarket. I used the slow cooker method and it made my whole house smell so good. It is great for parties and large get togethers (like church parties). Try it you will not be disappointed.