Wassail is a traditional hot cider-based punch, deeply rooted in Christmas and winter celebrations. It is warm, spiced, and perfect for cozying up by the fire or sharing at a holiday gathering. The blend of apple cider, citrus, and warming spices will fill your home with the comforting aroma of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp allspice berries
- 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 apple, studded with whole cloves (optional for garnish)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- Optional: 1 1/2 cups bourbon, brandy, or dark rum
Directions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and sliced ginger. - Heat and Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30–45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. - Sweeten (Optional):
Taste the wassail and add honey or brown sugar if you’d like it sweeter. - Add Garnishes:
For a festive touch, add the clove-studded apple and orange slices to the pot for the last 10–15 minutes of simmering. - Add Spirits (Optional):
If you’re adding alcohol, pour in the bourbon, brandy, or dark rum after removing the pot from heat. Stir well to combine. - Serve Warm:
Ladle the warm wassail into mugs and garnish with additional cinnamon sticks, apple slices, or orange rounds as desired.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–45 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 cups (depending on the size of servings)
Variations
- Spiked Wassail: For a boozy version, bourbon or dark rum adds depth and warmth, but you can also try adding applejack or brandy.
- Cranberry Wassail: Add 1 cup of cranberry juice or fresh cranberries to the pot for a tart twist.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. This method is perfect for keeping the wassail warm during parties.
FAQs
What is Wassail traditionally made of?
Wassail is typically made with apple cider or ale, citrus juices, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. In old traditions, it was often served with a floating clove-studded apple for added aroma and presentation.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can make wassail ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits.
Is Wassail alcoholic?
Traditionally, wassail can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. This recipe allows you to serve it either way by adding your preferred spirit at the end.
Wassail is a delicious and heartwarming drink that brings old-world charm to modern holiday festivities. Whether served with or without alcohol, it’s sure to make your gatherings merry and bright!
Print
Wassail
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: English
Description
Wassail is a warm, spiced punch that’s perfect for the holiday season. This traditional drink, often made with apple cider, citrus, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, is ideal for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. It’s easy to prepare, and your house will smell amazing as it simmers.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 large apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 1 star anise (optional)
- ½ cup rum or brandy (optional, for an alcoholic version)
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon juice.
- Add the brown sugar (if using), orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Strain out the spices and fruit before serving if you prefer a clear drink.
- If desired, stir in rum or brandy just before serving for an alcoholic twist.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with additional orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
- The alcohol can be left out for a non-alcoholic version that’s family-friendly.
- You can also serve it in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 5mg