Recipe for Wassail - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

This traditional recipe for Wassail is made with spiced apple cider that’s been infused with baking spices and fresh citrus. It’s the perfect warm and cozy holiday drink to make during the winter months.

Traditional Recipe for Wassail

The smell of hot Wassail gently simmering is, hands down, one of the best parts of the cool winter months. Luckily, in order to get the best flavor, you’ll need to cook the Wassail low and slow for a number of hours. This traditional Wassail recipe is made with apple juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice that are slowly simmered with deliciously fragrant spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.

Since our Wassail drink recipe is alcohol-free, family and friends of all ages can look forward to it every single year. But, if you want to spike it, I recommend using your favorite bourbon or whiskey.

What is Wassail?

Wassail is a traditional English hot mulled punch that is typically made during the winter months and around Yuletide. Modern day Wassail is typically made with apple juice or apple cider, another juice such as orange juice, pineapple juice, or cranberry juice, and baking spices. Sliced citrus and/or apple slices are added to the liquid, and it is then simmered for many hours to allow the flavors to infuse. It’s meant to be served warm, with or without alcohol.

Wassail Ingredients

• Apple Juice - you can use any kind of apple juice or apple cider for this Wassail drink.
• Orange Juice - use either store bought or fresh squeezed orange juice.
• Pineapple Juice - this adds a little extra sweetness and flavor. A great substitute would be cranberry juice, or extra orange and apple juice.
• Lemon Juice - this balances out the sweetness and flavors really nicely.
• Sugar - our Wassail recipe calls for granulated sugar, but brown sugar would also be great.
• Cinnamon Sticks - the flavor of slowly simmered cinnamon sticks truly can’t be beat. But, if you don’t have any whole cinnamon sticks, mix in about 1 ½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
• Whole Cloves - simmering whole cloves adds a lot of flavor, but it doesn’t overpower the drink. If you want to substitute ground cloves, add about ¼ teaspoon.
• Star Anise - it only takes 2 whole star anise to add flavor to this entire batch of Wassail. You don’t want to go crazy with the flavor, but it’s so festive and delicious.
• Oranges and Lemons - to prepare, wash the rinds in water then slice them whole into ⅓"-½” slices.

How to Make Wassail

Slow Cooker Wassail Recipe

1. Add ingredients to the slow cooker. In a slow cooker, add the apple juice (or apple cider), orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Mix together, then add the sliced oranges and lemons.
2. Cook. Cover, then cook on low for 5-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours until hot and very fragrant.
3. Strain. Strain through a piece of cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, then return to the slow cooker.
4. Serve. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Stovetop Wassail Recipe

1. Add ingredients to a large pot. In a large pot, add the apple juice (or apple cider), orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Mix together, then add the sliced oranges and lemons.
2. Bring to a simmer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer over medium low heat and continue to simmer with the lid slightly ajar for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
3. Strain. Strain through a piece of cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, then return to the pot.
4. Serve. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations for Wassail

Here are a few simple variations for this traditional Wassail Drink that will keep things exciting.

• Gingerbread Wassail: Infuse your wassail with gingerbread flavor by adding molasses, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. It's like sipping on gingerbread cookies in liquid form.
• Wassail with Alcohol: For an adults-only version, add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy.
• Pineapple Wassail: Substitute some of the apple cider with pineapple juice for a tropical twist. Add a garnish of fresh pineapple slices for a breezy feel.
• Chai Wassail: Brew a strong chai tea and mix it with apple cider to create a spiced chai wassail.
• Maple Wassail: Sweeten your wassail with real maple syrup, giving it a rich, earthy sweetness. It's perfect for a cozy winter evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: store cooled Wassail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• To reheat: transfer Wassail to a large pot and reheat over medium until warmed through. You could also add a single serving to a mug and reheat in a microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring in between.

More Easy Holiday Drink Recipes

• Holiday Punch
• Caramel Apple Punch
• Brunch Punch
• Tropical Breakfast Punch
• Crockpot White Hot Chocolate
• Crockpot Hot Chocolate
• Nutella Hot Chocolate
• MoreDrink Recipes
• MoreWinter Recipes

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This Wassail recipe is easy, delicious, and permeates the entire house with the most amazing smell. It's the perfect warm spiced apple cider drink to make during the winter holiday season.

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