Hey y'all! There's nothing quite like a steaming mug of Traditional Wassail to chase away the chill and bring friends and family together. With its irresistible blend of apples, oranges, warming spices, and a touch of sweetness, this festive drink is a staple at winter gatherings, holiday parties, or any cozy night by the fire. Ready to fill your home with inviting aromas and good cheer? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Traditional Wassail
- Bursts with classic flavors—tart apple, zesty citrus, and cozy spices—for ultimate comfort.
- Perfect for crowds: easily scaled up for family parties or winter festivities.
- Simmered on the stove or in a slow cooker, your home will smell amazing for hours.
- Customizable: enjoy it non-alcoholic or add spirits for an adult twist!
- Simple, pantry-staple ingredients mean you can make it anytime.
Traditional Wassail Ingredients
- 1 gallon (16 cups) apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
- ½ cup lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 10 whole cloves
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple, sliced into rounds
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- Optional: 1 cup dark rum or bourbon (for spiked version)
Traditional Wassail Directions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Slice the apple and orange into thin rounds. Set aside a few for garnish if desired. Juice the lemons for fresh flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Base
In a large stockpot or slow cooker, pour in the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
Step 3: Add Spices & Fruit
Toss in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and most of the sliced apple and orange. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer (about 10-15 minutes). Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 45-60 minutes. For slow cooker: cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
If making an adult version, stir in dark rum or bourbon just before serving. Strain out the spices and fruit (if preferred), and ladle the Traditional Wassail into mugs. Garnish with extra apple and orange slices, and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes for Traditional Wassail Success
- Whole spices are best for subtle flavor; ground spices can make wassail cloudy.
- Adjust the sweetness—add more or less brown sugar to taste.
- For more about the history and origins of wassail, visit The Spruce Eats.
Traditional Wassail Variations
- Alcohol-Free Wassail: Skip the rum or bourbon for a kid-friendly batch.
- Cranberry Wassail: Replace 2 cups of apple cider with unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart twist.
- Spiced Tea Wassail: Add 2 cups brewed black tea for added depth and richness.
Traditional Wassail Required Equipment
- Large stockpot or 6-quart slow cooker
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
- Ladle & fine-mesh strainer (if straining spices/fruit)
Traditional Wassail Storage Instructions
- Let leftover wassail cool completely, then transfer to sealed jars or containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop (low heat) or in the microwave before serving—avoid boiling to preserve fresh flavors.
Serving Suggestions with Traditional Wassail
- Serve alongside gingerbread, shortbread cookies, or warm mince pies for a truly British experience.
- Add a splash of additional hot water if the flavors intensify overnight.
- Perfect for sipping by the fireplace or at festive brunches and open-house parties.
Pro Tips for Traditional Wassail
- Use fresh, good-quality cider—avoid ones with added artificial flavors. Learn more about choosing cider.
- Make it ahead: wassail tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- For an extra festive touch, stud an extra apple with whole cloves and float in the pot. For more creative tips, see Simply Recipes.
Traditional Wassail FAQ
- Can I make Traditional Wassail in advance?
- Absolutely! Store cooled wassail in the fridge and gently reheat before serving—flavors develop even more overnight.
- What type of apple cider works best?
- Unfiltered, cloudy apple cider offers the richest flavor and texture—look for fresh-pressed if available.
- How do I keep Wassail warm for a party?
- Serve directly from a slow cooker set to "warm," or use an insulated beverage dispenser to keep it at a cozy temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 8 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 apple, sliced
Instructions
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1In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice over medium heat.
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2Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
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3Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and apple slices to the pot.
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4Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
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5Strain out the spices and fruit, then ladle hot wassail into mugs. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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