The Easiest Wassail Recipe [+Video]

This traditional Wassail recipe has been handed down for generations! It’s one of the most comforting easy holiday drinks. It’s a delicious nonalcoholic warm cider drink with the cozy flavors of orange and apple with cinnamon and spices!

I don’t think there’s a single wassail recipe worth it out there except for my mom’s! It is so delicious. We excitedly make it as soon as it gets cold–and it’s a must when you’re sick. Nothing feels better on a scratchy throat than warm wassail. Yum!

And because we aren’t the biggest fans of cold weather, warm drinks are a definite must. Cade and the girls love hot cocoa and toast, I still have yet to try it as the soggy bread weirds me out for sure. I always stick to this dreamy wassail!

What is Wassail?

Wassail is the cozy version of apple cider.  Our recipe is made with cloves, apples, cinnamon, lemon, orange, ginger, and nutmeg and is a nonalcoholic wassail recipe. Scroll down to discover our secret ingredient! There’s one we didn’t mention!

It’s pretty flexible so feel free to add different amounts of juice or substitute other kinds that you like better. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients for Homemade Wassail

How many fruit juices can you put in a hot wassail recipe? We are out to set a record because it’s so dang good…including that secret ingredient I mentioned above! Here is all the ingredients you will need to make this irresistible holiday beverage:

• Water: the base of the wassail
• Sugar: I often cut this down or leave it out since there is a lot of sugar in fruit juice.
• Cinnamon Sticks: adds flavor
• Allspice: adds flavor
• Cloves: adds flavor
• Crystallized Ginger: adds flavor, you can also use a 1/2 inch chunk fresh ginger or a 1/2-1 tsp powdered ginger
• Unsweetened Apple Juice: grab a bottle at the grocery store
• Pineapple Juice: the secret ingredient, man it adds such a delicious flavor
• Unsweetened Orange Juice: you can squeeze your own orange juice or buy bottled unsweetened oj
• Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed is preferred

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Watch How Homemade Wassail is Made…

How to Make Wassail at Home

Now that you’ve see how it’s made, let’s walk through the steps. It’s so simple!

1. Boil: Bring the water and sugar and a sachet of the spices to a boil in a large pot, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an hour.
2. Add: Remove the sachet and add the remaining fruit juices and stir together.
3. Heat: Bring everything to your desired temperature and serve either warm or cold.

Is Wassail Alcoholic?

Wassail is an old English mulled hot drink with mixed fruit juices, spices and may or may not contain alcohol. We don’t read alcohol, so I’m not well versed on alcoholic wassail, but I’m told that brandy, bourbon, or rum are all great additions.

Is Wassail Good For a Cold?

Because wassail is made with fruit juices and spices such as cinnamon and ginger, it can be soothing for a cold, and may even be helpful in easing congestion.

What Does It Mean if a Drink is Mulled?

The word “mull” means to heat, sweeten and flavor a beverage with spices. It is common to do with wine or cider. Mulling spices can include anything but often include cinnamon and cloves.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, this recipe works great in a slow cooker! Add all the ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Let it sit on the warm setting while serving.

Tips for Homemade Wassail

Flavors and smells become so engrained in our memories, and this wassail recipe is sure to become a family holiday tradition.

When it comes time to serve this homemade wassail, add some sliced oranges and apples, whole cranberries, star anise and cinnamon sticks to make it extra beautiful! It becomes both a decoration and a drink for everyone to enjoy!

If you want to keep wassail warm during a holiday party, pour it into a slow cooker and put it on the “warm” setting. It will be the perfect temperature for sipping throughout the night.

As this wassail simmers, it fills your house with the most wonderful festive scents. It screams Christmas and cozy winter nights!

For extra indulgence, top your cup of wassail with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Storing Homemade Wassail

Homemade wassail should be stored in refrigerator in an airtight container and it will keep for 4-5 days.

How to Reheat Wassail

To reheat it, use the microwave for a quick cup or warm it up on the stove top in a saucepan for more servings.

Warm up your winter with this delicious wassail recipe, perfect for holiday parties and cozy nights by the fire. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty and comforting drink that will please everyone. Break out the Christmas mugs and let’s wassail!

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