Wassail is a drink that my mom serves every Christmas and I can’t smell it without remembering family times.

Wassail Bowl Punch
Anne Mahle, At Home at Sea: Recipes from the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin

1 quart hot tea (black, orange pekoe, or your favorite)
1 quart cranberry juice
1 quart apple juice
2 whole cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
1 cup sugar
¾ cup lemon juice
2 cups orange juice
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

In a large stockpot, combine all the ingredients except the orange and lemon slices. Bring to a boil, strain, and pour into a large bowl. Garnish with orange and lemon slices.

Makes 4 quarts.

Anne Mahle is the author of At Home, At Sea: Recipes from the Maine Windjammer J. & E. Riggin. She lives in Rockland.