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This easy wassail recipe is a sweet and spicy mulled cider full of citrus and cinnamon flavor. Make this cozy drink a holiday tradition!
We Love the Warm Spices!
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 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!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes COOK TIME: 25 minutes
- 2 quarts apple cider – For best results use apple cider but apple juice can be used in a pinch.
- 1 cup orange juice – fresh squeezed or bottled
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – bottled or fresh lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks – or add whole cloves or star anise
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves – Try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger.
- optional garnish – sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, or round apple slices (Cut through the center so the star shape is visible.)
How to Make Wassail
- COMBINE. In a large pot mix 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, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
- 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.
Crockpot Directions
- Dissolve the sugar in the apple cider juice, then add the remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Cook for 3-4 hours on HIGH heat or 6-7 hours on LOW.
- Keep on the low or warm setting when serving.
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Easy Wassail Recipe
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
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.
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.
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
My first time making Wassail. Very interesting flavors. Of course, I loved the mix of citrus and cinnamon.I love love cinnamon. Very cozy.
Thanks for the feedback! So glad to hear you enjoyed the wassail.
The most delicious drink for the fall season! Love This!
Love ur recipes
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.
Love the taste and smell of wassail. A great holiday drink.
Wassail is a must this time of year! I love that it gets the entire house smelling so delicious!
On a cold night, I love making this! It warms me right up! Love the spices!
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!