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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
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.
I added 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 5 star anise, & 1 teaspoon of allspice to the above recipe, with all of the powdered spices tied in a cheese cloth which I tied to the pot handle & allowed it to bob in the wassail while it simmered. I would occasionally stir the wassail, squishing the cheese cloth against the side of the pot as I stirred. It turned out incredible!! I also added about 1.5 cups of brandy to it afterward, & it is still amazing with the brandy. I would have given the recipe 5 stars, if I didn’t have to make so many adjustments to it in order for it to taste better/bolder.
I made it for a church reception and everyone really liked it. I used orange pineapple juice
Would Some Cranberry Juice work in this recipe?
How much would you recommend.
The lemon overpowered the apple. I would minimise the lemon next time.
First time I have ever made this and it was a hit with Rum. Yummy. I love this stuff with or without the rum.
How many quarts/cups of wassail does this make total? I need to make wassail for a church activity and i have never made it or heard of it before. But i need to make 8 gallons
About 10 cups!
The flavor of the cider is so comforting. Delicious
How long will it keep in fridge? I wanted to make it ahead of time for Thanksgiving and us bottled lemon juice ok to use?
It will keep for about 2 weeks in the fridge. Bottled juice is fine.
Should the apples be put in whole, or sliced?
I made the wassail for Christmas. Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. Sometimes wassail recipes are too tart or too sweet. This was a perfect blend.