Perfect for winter celebrations or for warming up on a cold night, this hot Wassail Recipe is filled with spices and sweet juice flavors. It’s sweet and spicy and so warm and comforting!
There is nothing quite like a hot drink on a cold day! For another fun hot drink, check out this Pumpkin Steamer.
There is something about wassail that makes me think of Christmas and carolers. I actually think that my first memory of wassail may have involved a church activity with caroling (although this could be one of those made up memories that my mind is not sure of…)
Regardless, this is the perfect drink for a cold day. And it is definitely perfect for a crowd.
If you haven’t heard of wassail, the word wassail actually means “to indulge in riotous drinking.” It was traditionally an English punch made from cider, ale, and mead infused with spices. And while we are skipping the ale and the mead, (and this drink won’t lead to any riotous drinking), this is delicious and perfect for a party.
Ingredients
- Apple Cider: I like using apple cider versus apple juice. Look for a really good, cloudy apple cider.
- Orange Juice: If possible, I like to get an orange juice that is not from concentrate.
- Pineapple Juice: The pineapple flavor does not stand out, but it helps to bring everything together into a delicious, fruity drink.
- Lemon Juice: I like the tartness from the lemon juice. I use a full half cup, but feel free to cut back to 1/4 cup if the lemon flavor is not your thing. I definitely suggest using freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives it some extra sweetness.
- Spices: I like to use whole spices in this recipe. See more about the spices below.
Spices for Wassail
Having spices in your wassail is very important, but you can also change things up to suit your preferences. Here is my favorite combination:
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Allspice
I had to shop at both my grocery store and online to find all of the whole spices, but with a little preparation, you shouldn’t have any trouble.
You can also use ground spices and just mix them into the wassail. But I like being able to control how strong the spice level is by how long I keep the spices in the wassail. And the flavor is more pure when using the whole spices.
How to Make Wassail
This recipe is super simple!
- Start by combining the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a large pot.
- Take a piece of cheesecloth and place your spices on top.
- Wrap the cheesecloth around them and secure it with twine, making a small bundle.
- Add the spice bundle to the pot and let everything simmer together for 45 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
Like I said above, you can control how strong you want the spice level in your wassail by how long you keep the spice bundle in the pot. I find that the 45 minutes gives this the perfect amount of spice, but if you can always take it out sooner or leave it in longer.
Not all cheesecloth is the same! There are different weaves – some are tighter than others. You’ll want one that is loose. Look at the grade and go for one of the looser grades – grade 10 or grade 40.
This can always simmer on the stove for longer than 45 minutes, as well. It will start to evaporate and the flavors will become stronger, though.
You can also make this in the slow cooker. Simply add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low. I suggest the slow cooker if you are wanting to serve this for an extended period of time because the slow cooker will lessen the evaporation.
I like to make it pretty by garnishing with fresh fruit, but of course, this is not necessary at all.
Change it Up
One thing I love about this Wassail Recipe is how easy it is to change it up. Feel free to change the amounts of the juices or swap in some different flavors.
I actually like to add some fresh cranberries sometimes, as well. They add a nice tartness to the wassail.
Wassail is traditionally served warm, but you can always serve it up cold, as well!
More Holiday Worthy Drink Recipes
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Hot Apple Cider
Spiced Cider Punch
Holiday Punch Recipe
Wassail Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 10 allspice berries
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
- Place the cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice berries on a piece of cheesecloth and tie together with a string. Place the bundle into the pot with the juices.
- Let everything simmer together over medium-low heat for 45 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecloth bundle before serving.
Andrew Hodgkins says
I am going to alter this recipe a little , but I am very happy to have found it! I am going to lower the amount of lemon juice next time and possibly leave out the pineapple juice. It came out a little too sweet and lemony for my personal preferences.