The Best Wassail Recipe: So Easy - Feeding Your Fam (2024)

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This Wassail Recipe is a delicious warm drink made up of apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Perfectly seasoned to warm you to the core. Wassail is perfect for cold winter days, Holiday parties and Christmas celebrations.

This easy wassail recipe has been in our family for countless years, it a holiday tradition!! This is one thing my kids and myself look forward to every Christmas Eve. My mom serves this warm Christmas drink every year at our family Christmas party and it wouldn’t be the same without it!

This hot wassail recipe is so easy to throw together and will absolutely be enjoyed by all.

How to make Wassail

This easy wassail recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

First to make this wassail recipe you will start by combining the water and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

Next, add in the cinnamon, allspice berries, ginger and whole cloves. Turn off the heat and let the spices develop in the hot water for at least 30 minutes.

At this point, after the spices have infused the water, you can strain them from the liquid, or leave them in if you like. I prefer to leave them in to continue to add flavor to the wassail.

Pour in the apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Bring just to a boil and turn down the heat to low, this will keep the wassail warm.

If you prefer to make this for the slow cooker. Dissolve the sugar in the water in the slow cooker. Add the other ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 8. Keep on low to serve.

Wassail Ingredients

To make this easy, soul warming Christmas drink, you will need just a few ingredients.

  • apple cider
  • orange juice
  • lemon juice
  • water
  • cinnamon sticks
  • whole cloves
  • allspice berries
  • ground ginger
  • sugar

Can I make Wassail ahead?

You can make this wassail recipe before you need it. Simply follow the recipe instructions to make the wassail. Once it is complete, strain the spices and store in the refrigerator. You can make this at least 5 days in advance of when you need it.

Simply warm up when ready to serve.

How to store this wassail drink

If you have any wassail left over after serving, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just heat up what you are going to drink in the microwave and take a trip back to Christmas.

Homemade Wassail Recipe

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The Best Wassail Recipe: So Easy - Feeding Your Fam (6)

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4.43 from 19 votes

Wassail Recipe

Wassail is a delicious warm drink made up of apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Perfectly seasoned to warm you to the core. Wassail is perfect for cold winter days, Holiday parties and Christmas celebrations.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Drinks

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Holidays

Keyword: Wassail Recipe

Servings: 12

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Sarah Alvord, Feeding Your Fam

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 4 whole allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 quart apple cider
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a large pot (at least 4 quarts) stir together the water and sugar and bring to a boil.

  • Boil, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in the cloves, allspice, cinnamon and ginger. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

  • At this point you can strain and remove the spices or leave them in. (I like to leave them in)

  • Add in the apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring just to a boil and then turn down to low to keep warm while serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @feedingyourfam or tag #feedingyourfam!

Other easy winter treats:

  • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
  • English Toffee
  • Pecan Pie Bars

This Wassail Recipe is a delicious warm drink made up of apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Perfectly seasoned to warm you to the core.

The Best Wassail Recipe: So Easy - Feeding Your Fam (2024)

FAQs

Does wassail have to be refrigerated? ›

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.

Is wassail good for you? ›

Not only is this a warming, festive drink, but the medicinal herbs provide multiple health benefits. During the mulling process, the cinnamon, ginger, and clove impart a spicy aroma as well as anti-inflammatory, immune supporting properties to the wassail.

What is wassail drink made of? ›

What is wassail made of? This non-alcoholic Christmas drink is essentially apple cider infused with fresh orange, lemon, roasted apples, and lots of spice. Think: cozy cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise. It's important here to use both ground and whole spices, so don't skip either.

Where did wassail originate from? ›

The text of the carol employs noun and verb forms of “wassail,” a word derived from the Old Norse ves heil and the Old English was hál and meaning “be in good health” or “be fortunate.” The phrase found first use as a simple greeting, but the Danish-speaking inhabitants of England seem to have turned was hail, and the ...

What happens if you don't refrigerate cider? ›

All liquids should be refrigerated after opening, including apple cider. Bacteria are everywhere, and keeping things below 40 degrees F slows down their growth. Years ago, we made good use out of the bushels of apples from our farm, and used a converted Maytag washer, now a cider press, to make gallons of apple cider.

Does cider go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Cider is a perishable product and we do not add any preservatives that will keep the flavor as intended until the end of time. Refrigeration will help increase the longevity of quality and flavor if you plan on saving this treat.

What the heck is wassailing? ›

Wassailing is an age-old West Country tradition to awaken the apple trees and scare evil spirits away to bring on a plentiful harvest. It's still widely popular in the cider-producing counties of the West Country, including Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset and Herefordshire.

Why do people drink wassail? ›

By wassailing their crops in the winter, it was said to ensure a healthy crop in the spring. As Christianity began to spread, this ritual evolved further into singing and drinking to the health of next season's crops on Twelfth Night; the last night of the traditional Christmas season.

Does wassail contain alcohol? ›

Modern recipes begin with a base of wine, fruit juice or mulled ale, sometimes with brandy or sherry added. Apples or oranges are often added to the mix, and some recipes also call for beaten eggs to be tempered into the drink.

What do you eat with wassail? ›

“Wassail” is a traditional English punch, consisting of mulled cider and spices. It's very easy to make, and is traditionally served with cinnamon sticks and apple cake, but is also a great complement to either a full meal or appetizers.

What is in Trader Joe's wassail? ›

A sweetened blend of black currant, apple, and lemon juices, with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and orange peel, Trader Joe's Winter Wassail is a fruit punch whose flavors and aromas evoke the holidays. You can serve it chilled, over ice with bourbon; or warmed, in a big mug, with a cinnamon stick garnish.

Why is it called wassail? ›

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "wassail" originated as a borrowing from the Old Norse salutation ves heill, corresponding to Old English hál wes þú or wes hál; literally meaning 'be in good health' or 'be fortunate'. It was initially used in the sense of 'hail' or 'farewell'.

What is a fun fact about wassailing? ›

Wassailing is a very ancient custom that is rarely done today. The word 'wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', which means 'good health'. Originally, the wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar.

Is wassail pagan? ›

A Wassail has its roots in pagan rituals, blessing apple trees out in the orchards for a good harvest. The weird and wonderful ceremony welcomes in the good spirits and scares away the not-so-good spirits to keep the trees in good health throughout the year. The word Wassail takes its name from Waes Hael – be well.

Why do they toast at wassail? ›

The word 'Wassail' comes from the Anglo Saxon toast 'waes hael' – meaning 'be well' or 'be in good health'. This ceremony promotes the health of the trees and encourages a bountiful harvest, traditionally taking place around the old Twelfth Night (January 17).

How long can you leave cider unrefrigerated? ›

Since our cider is a raw product, refrigeration is a must. However, it will last 2-3 hours unrefrigerated, so long as it remains out of direct sunlight, just long enough for your car ride home. Once in the refrigerator, you can expect 2-3 weeks of shelf life. Our cider can also be frozen almost indefinitely.

Should mulled cider be refrigerated? ›

Optional add-in spices: You can add any combination of the following spices to make a more complex-tasting cider: 4 star anise pods, 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, or 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries. Storage: Leftover cider can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Does mulled cider need to be refrigerated? ›

Refrigerated in a bottle with a closed cap. This mulled cider will last around 2 weeks, maybe longer but I'd stick to 2 weeks as it'll slowly start losing its fresh flavour the longer you leave it. Though always give it a smell before heating it up. If anything seems off, just throw it out.

Does homemade fire cider have to be refrigerated? ›

Does Fire Cider Need to Be Refrigerated? The short answer is no. Your fire cider is well preserved in apple cider vinegar, and shelf stable. If you prefer to take the shots cold, refrigeration is an option, but not at all necessary.

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