We grew up snuggling with a warm cup of this wassail recipe. It’s a family favorite that is beyond simple!!

Wassail is a traditional Christmas drink to celebrate the Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve. We love it on Christmas Eve and ALL season long!

While traditional wassail uses spiced ale or mulled wine drink, our non-alcoholic variation uses apple cider with warm seasonal spices like cinnamon and cloves to add delicious flavor. This easy wassail recipe is delicious but also great for the whole family and we think you’ll agree.

For more drinks, perfect for snuggling up around the fire try Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate and Caramel Apple Cider.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Ready to enjoy when you are! This holiday drink is prepped in minutes and ready for sipping in only 30 minutes.
  • Spiced perfection. It’s cozy, delicious, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of pineapple.
  • For celebrating. Enjoy our wassail recipe after a night of caroling or as a New Year‘s toast!

Wassail Ingredients

  • Apple cider (2 quarts): The base of the drink that gives it rich apple flavor. For best results use apple cider but apple juice can be used in a pinch.
  • Orange juice (1 cup): Fresh squeezed or bottled. Adds a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness.
  • Pineapple juice (¾ cup): Brings a tropical sweetness and extra depth.
  • Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of caramel-like warmth.
  • Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness to balance the spice and sweetness.
  • Cinnamon sticks (2): Infuse the drink with cozy spice and holiday aroma. Add whole cloves or star anise as substitutes.
  • Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and warmth.
  • Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Adds that signature spiced note that makes wassail so festive.
  • optional garnish – sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, or round apple slices (Cut through the center so the star shape is visible.)
Warm apple drink simmering on the stove in a pot.

How to Make Wassail

  1. COMBINE. In a large pot mix apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
  2. SIMMER & SERVE. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and ladle wassail into mugs add any optional garnish and serve warm.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

  • Simmer gently so the spices have time to blend without boiling off the flavor.
  • Use whole spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves if you prefer a clearer drink.
  • Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or apple rounds for a festive touch.
  • Keep it warm in a slow cooker during parties so guests can serve themselves.
  • Make ahead by simmering it earlier in the day and reheating before serving.
  • Try adding star anise, nutmeg, or ginger for a fun flavor twist.
Our favorite wassail recipe in cup with orange slice and cinnamon stick in it.
Homemade wassail recipe in a glass mug.
5 from 12 votes

Easy Wassail Recipe

By: Kristyn Merkley
This Easy Wassail Recipe is cozy, spiced, and perfect for the holidays with apple cider, cinnamon, and orange flavor in every sip.
Servings: 12
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Video

Ingredients 

  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients into a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve warm.
  • Keep warm in a slow cooker.
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Notes

    Recipe Notes:
    • Use apple cider (not juice) for the richest flavor, but apple juice works in a pinch.
    • Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or apple rounds for a festive touch.
    • Keep it warm in a slow cooker during parties so guests can serve themselves.
    • Make ahead—store in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for 1–2 months.
    • Try adding star anise, nutmeg, or ginger for a fun flavor twist.
    Store in the fridge for 7-10 days or freeze for 1-2 months. Reheat in a crockpot, or over low heat on the stove.
    Perfectly giftable. Add some orange slices, apple slices, and cranberries to a quart-size mason jar. Fill it with wassail. Add a gift tag and deliver.
    For more substitutions and tips, check out the full recipe post

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 220mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 41IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Recipe FAQ

    How to store wassail?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7-10 days or freeze for 1-2 months. Reheat in the microwave, crockpot, or over low heat on the stovetop.

    Is this giftable?

    Add some orange slices, apple slices, and cranberries to a quart-size mason jar. Fill it with wassail. Add a gift tag with heating instructions and deliver.

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    This recipe was originally published November 2020.

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    About Kristyn

    Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

    More About Kristyn

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    5 from 12 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    10 Comments

    1. jess says:

      5 stars
      I have a bottle of apple cider and this is exactly what I want to do for thanksgiving! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe

      Reply
    2. Ken says:

      5 stars
      My first time making Wassail. Very interesting flavors. Of course, I loved the mix of citrus and cinnamon.I love love cinnamon. Very cozy.

      Reply
      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Thanks for the feedback! So glad to hear you enjoyed the wassail.

        Reply
    3. Melissa says:

      5 stars
      The most delicious drink for the fall season! Love This!

      Reply
    4. Jeannie says:

      Love ur recipes

      Reply
    5. Kristina says:

      5 stars
      I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to drink regular apple cider after this delicious mix. It’s a wonderful warm drink for winter.

      Reply
    6. Olivia says:

      5 stars
      Love the taste and smell of wassail. A great holiday drink.

      Reply
    7. Amy L Huntley says:

      5 stars
      Wassail is a must this time of year! I love that it gets the entire house smelling so delicious!

      Reply
    8. Natalie says:

      5 stars
      On a cold night, I love making this! It warms me right up! Love the spices!

      Reply
    9. Joy says:

      5 stars
      I have never made this, but I have tasted it & it was so good! It felt so nice going down! This will be my new go-to all winter!

      Reply