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This traditional Wassail recipe has been handed down for generations and is one of my favorite easy holiday drinks. It's a delicious warm cider drink that balances the flavors of orange and apple with cinnamon and spices!
Looking for more drink recipes? Try this Homemade Eggnog, Creamy Hot Cocoa, Christmas Punch, or Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider!
Why I love this drink:
- Tradition – This is a treasured family recipe that will always remind me of the holidays. We love to make a batch to enjoy with neighbors as we pass out treats on Halloween to the trick-or-treaters. We always enjoy it on Christmas morning as well.
- Cozy – One batch will fill your house with the most wonderful aroma of apple and cinnamon. It's the best drink to enjoy on a cold, snowy day.
- Delicious – this hot wassail recipe is not overly sweet and has all the perfect flavor balance.
What is Wassail?
Wassail is like the tastier sister to Apple Cider. Traditional wassail was made with hard liquor, apples, brandy, and other spices. This recipe is made with cloves, apples, cinnamon, lemon, orange, ginger, and nutmeg and is a nonalcoholic wassail recipe. You could certainly add alcohol if you wish by adding a splash of brandy, bourbon, rum, or whiskey, to taste.
How to make Wassail:
Prep Apples: Poke the whole cloves into the apples on all sides.
Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients, including the apples, to a large pot over medium low heat then bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
Serve: Remove the apples and whole cloves then ladle hot wassail into mugs and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also make this in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to heat and enjoy.
To Reheat: Use the microwave, stove, or slow cooker to reheat this hot wassail. Just heat until it's your desired temperature.
More Holiday Recipes:
- Halloween Pizzas
- Rack of Lamb
- Homemade Caramels
- Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
- Apple Crisp
- Classic Pumpkin Roll
- Baked Ham
- Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Red Velvet Cookies
- Easy, No-Fuss Prime Rib
- Baked Apples
- Chocolate Fudge
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Wassail
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 15 whole whole cloves, ,or ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar, , optional
Instructions
- Poke the whole cloves into the apples on all sides.
- Add all of the ingredients, including the apples, to a large pot over medium low heat.
- Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the apples and whole cloves. Ladle into mugs and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe November 2013. Updated October 2017 and October 2022.
What a great recipe!! Relatively simple and much more special than apple cider straight from a jug. The house smelled great, and everyone loved it
Should I juice my own oranges, or is store-bought fine?
Store-bought is fine!
Hello,
I was wondering what can I use to replace the Clove? I cannot stand the taste of clove. My Mom used clove in so many things. I wondered if I can use cinnamon in it’s place?
I LOVE everything else in this recipe.
Thank You
I would just omit the clove.
Love Wassail. Thank you for recipe. MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas to you and thanks for a good sounding simple recipe
This is the easiest recipe I have viewed. I don’t have a slow cooker or crock pot so this is ideal. I needed to omit lemon juice due to husband’s allergy but I don’t think it would ruin it.
When you say 8 cups apple cider, do you mean apple cider vinegar?
No, I mean apple cider (or substitute apple juice)
Please NO! Do not use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider is similar to apple juice. You would not be able to drink a glass of apple cider vinegar.
We made this for an autumn camping trip and the wife absolutely loved it.
Wonderful! We made 2 crockpots full for our church handbell party, thinking we would have leftovers. Folks loved it so much they asked to take some home. So we’re making another batch just for us!
Will make this for United Methodist Church Ladies group in Lebanon Missouri for Thanksgiving Missionary Meeting
I made this for a ladies brunch & it was a big hit!! Thank you for the recipe. It brought back memories!!
Happy New Year!! 2019