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This Wassail recipe is a sweet and spicy mulled cider full of citrus and cinnamon flavor. Make this cozy drink a holiday tradition!

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

Wassail recipe served in a glass mug with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

Why We Love it!

Traditional wassail uses spiced ale or mulled wine drink, but for a non-alcoholic variation, we use apple cider. It was typically served to celebrate the Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve.

Wassail translates to “good health” and here’s why we love this Wassail recipe: 

  • Quick + Easy! It’s ready in only 30 minutes.
  • Tasty. It’s cozy, delicious, and perfectly spiced.
  • For celebrating. It’s a perfect drink to use after caroling on Christmas Eve, or for a Happy New Year toast.
Warm apple drink simmering on the stove in a pot.

Wassail Ingredients

  • apple cider – For best results use apple cider but apple juice can be used in a pinch.
  • orange juice
  • pineapple juice
  • brown sugar
  • lemon juice
  • cinnamon sticks
  • ground cinnamon
  • ground cloves
Warm apple drink simmering on the stove in a pot.

How to Make Wassail

  1. COMBINE. Mix ingredients into a large pot.
  2. SIMMER & SERVE. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve warm. Keep warm by placing in a slow cooker on WARM.

Make in a Crock Pot

  1. Be sure to dissolve the sugar in the apple cider juice, then add the remaining ingredients to the pot.
  2. Cook for 3-4 hours on HIGH heat or 6-7 hours on LOW.
  3. Keep on the low or warm setting when serving. 
Crockpot image.

Recipe Tips 

  • Garnish & flavor. Add a garnish to the crock pot and/or use them to top off individual cups of hot wassail recipe. Some favorites include:
    • round apple slices – cut through the center so the star shape is visible
    • sliced oranges – wedges or round
    • fresh cranberries
    • spices – use whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, or add extra flavor by including a dash of nutmeg or ginger
  • More than a drink! Use wassail to marinate or braze meat, or add oil and make a vinaigrette.
A variety of apples on a kitchen table.

Storing info

  • STORE this wassail drink in the fridge for 7-10 days.
  • 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, then fill it up with wassail. Add a gift tag and deliver.
Wassail recipe served in two glass mugs.

For More Holiday Drinks:

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5 from 12 votes

Wassail Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This wassail recipe is a sweet and spicy mulled cider full of citrus and cinnamon flavor. Make this cozy drink a holiday tradition!
Servings: 12
Prep: 30 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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
Save This Recipe!
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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 by placing in slow cooker on WARM.

Video

Notes

  • STORE this wassail drink in the fridge for 7-10 days.
  • 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, then fill it up with wassail. Add a gift tag and deliver.

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.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: English
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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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

  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.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

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

  3. Melissa says:

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

  4. Jeannie says:

    Love ur recipes

  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.

  6. Olivia says:

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

  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!

  8. Natalie says:

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

  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!