Wassail

Wassail is a sweet and spicy mulled cider full of citrus and cinnamon flavor. Make this cozy drink a part of your family holiday traditions!

Wassail, or mulled cider, is perfect for snuggling up around the fire – your taste buds will thank me. For more downright yummy drinks, try Mexican Hot Chocolate, White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Cocoa, and Caramel Apple Cider.

What is Wassail?

Traditional Wassail recipe 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”. It’s a perfect drink to use after caroling on Christmas Eve, or for a Happy New Year toast.

I love Wassail. It is so cozy and delicious and reminds me of home. Growing up, we always had Wassail during the holidays. I looked forward to it every year.

The tang of orange juice, the sweetness of apple, and the spices pair perfectly for a warm mug of joy. To me, Wassail is like a cupful of hugs! Add this to your holiday traditions…you will not be disappointed!

How to Make Wassail

COMBINE. Combine all the Wassail ingredients into a large pot.

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 slow cooker on WARM.

Storing info

STORE Wassail in the fridge for 7-10 days. It can also be used for more than just drinking. Use it to marinade or braze meat. You can also add oil and make a vinaigrette.

FREEZE for 1-2 months. Reheat in a crockpot, or over low heat on the stove.

Recipe Tips + Tricks

Make in a crock pot. Making this beverage in a slow cooker is not only easy, but it fills your home with spicy goodness all day long. Perfect for prepping for a Christmas party!

• Be sure to 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. 

Perfectly giftable. Whip up a batch of Wassail, and strain it. 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. 

Apple cider is unfiltered apple juice. Cider is more opaque and thicker than juice. For best results, use apple cider in this Wassail recipe, but you can use apple juice in a pinch.

more holiday Drinks:

• Eggnog
• White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Caramel Apple Cider
• Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Apple Cider
• Christmas Punch