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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 โ€œgood healthโ€ and here’s why we love this Wassail recipe:ย 

  • 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
  • ยพ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cloves
Save This Recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

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
Making this recipe? Tag us!
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ 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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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

  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!