Looking for an easy wassail recipe that will make your home smell like the holidays? This centuries-old spiced cider drink combines bright citrus flavors with warming winter spices for the perfect cold-weather beverage — perfect for hosting a holiday party or just craving something cozy!
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Wassail is a heartwarming holiday beverage that combines the bright flavors of apple cider and citrus with aromatic winter spices. This centuries-old traditional drink brings warmth and festivity to any gathering, making it the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.
The magic of wassail lies in its harmonious blend of tangy citrus juices and warming spices. While it may seem complex, this recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients and patience to let the flavors meld together.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large party, this versatile recipe can be easily scaled to suit your needs. Once you experience the delightful combination of flavors in homemade wassail, it’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Wassail Recipe
- Great Smells: Makes your whole house smell like Christmas with zero effort!
- Make Ahead: Can be made ahead and reheated, ideal for stress-free entertaining. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Crock-Pot Friendly: Works in both slow cooker or stovetop, giving you flexibility based on your needs.
- So Easy: Just dump ingredients in a pot and let them simmer.
☕️ The winter season requires cozy drinks — even if the weather isn’t cold!
Recipe Ingredients
- Orange juice
- Apple cider
- Lemonade
- Cinnamon sticks
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Easy Wassail
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients together in a large pot and use a wooden spoon to stir them until combined.
Step 2: Cover the wassail with a lid and allow it to sit over low-medium heat for 40 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the cinnamon sticks from the liquid and give it another quick stir.
Step 4: Pour into glasses, garnish, & serve!
Recipe FAQs
While similar in spirit, these are distinct beverages. Wassail is cider-based, featuring citrus juices and spices, while mulled wine uses wine as its base and typically includes whole oranges. Both are beloved holiday drinks with their own unique characteristics.
While traditional wassail requires apple cider, you can substitute apple juice in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be delicious. Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to help compensate for the missing depth of flavor.
es! Use 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon instead of the sticks. Ground cinnamon may leave more sediment at the bottom, so stir occasionally while serving.
Expert Tips
- Apple cider is typically available year-round in the juice aisle or deli section
- Longer steeping time with spices creates deeper flavor
- Serve hot or cold according to preference
- Feel free to use all ground or all whole spices based on availability
How to Make Wassail in a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker method offers a convenient way to prepare and keep wassail warm throughout your gathering, and it’s so easy!
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and stir
- Cook on low for 2-2½ hours until fragrant
- Keep warm in the slow cooker and serve as needed
How to Store Wassail
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months, leaving expansion space in the container.
Reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.
More Yummy Drink Recipes to Consider
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Easy Wassail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups orange juice
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 cup lemonade
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a large pot and use a wooden spoon to stir them until combined.
- Cover the wassail with a lid and allow it to sit over low-medium heat for 40 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks from the liquid and give it another quick stir.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste — more ginger for extra warmth or scale back the cloves for less spice. Start with the recommended amounts, then taste and adjust.
- The recipe doubles beautifully and freezes well. Make extra and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Set up a garnish bar with fresh orange slices, extra cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Not only does this look festive, but it allows guests to customize their drinks and adds an interactive element to serving.
- If available, choose fresh-pressed, unfiltered apple cider over filtered varieties. The natural pectin and fresh apple flavor create a richer, more complex taste. Local orchards often sell this during fall months – stock up and freeze for year-round use.
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