Cranberry Pineapple Vodka Punch (Tropical Vodka Wassail)

This Vegetarian Slow Cooker attended a wonderful holiday party last week that ended with the entire group of attendees joyfully singing Christmas carols.  A couple of us were being downright silly.  The silliness was inspired by a lyric in one of the carols about "wassailing".  We were informed by the older set that "wassail" was a traditional mulled hot beverage served during the holidays.  The silly amongst us were convinced it had to be alcoholic given the joy being expressed in the lyric.  Later research revealed that traditional wassail usually does not involve spirits of any kind. I decided not to be a traditionalist on two fronts.

A large contingent of my family lives in Hawaii, including my son who attends the University of Hawaii.  I graduated from High School there and over the last few years, that is where I have spent my holidays. This year I would be absent.  So as a nod to the islands, this is a tropical variation using different juices than those used in traditional wassails and taking advantage of the large bottle of Vodka in Auntie EQ's liquor cabinet.

Winner, Loser or Meh

This was good, but not nearly as good as the Hot Buttered Rum.  Uncle Meat & Potatoes thought it was too sweet.  Auntie EQ & I did not.  We had two large mugs full.

Recipe:

I used a 2 1/2- 3 quart crock for this.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1-2 cups vodka
  

Add all ingredients except vodka into the crock.  Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.  Turn heat to warm.  Remove cinnamon and cloves with slotted spoon.  Add vodka and serve warm ladled into mugs.