A soul-warming mug of traditional Wassail brings cozy holiday cheer to any winter gathering. This classic hot beverage takes just 35 minutes to prepare, combining the perfect balance of sweet and spice for only 142 calories per serving.
With its rich history as a festive punch, this comforting drink delivers a healthy dose of Vitamin C and potassium while filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this time-tested recipe promises to create lasting memories.
Ingredients for Cozy Wassail
- Fresh Apples: 2 whole apples for infusing flavors
- Apple Cider: 8 cups, forms the rich base of the drink
- Citrus Juices: 2 cups orange juice and 1/3 cup lemon juice for bright notes
- Warming Spices: 4 cinnamon sticks, 15 whole cloves (or ½ tsp ground), ¼ tsp each of ground ginger and nutmeg
- Sweetener: 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar (optional for desired sweetness)
Instructions for Perfect Wassail
- Prepare the Apples: Carefully insert whole cloves into the apples, distributing them evenly around the surface
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients, including the clove-studded apples, into a large cooking pot
- Heat and Simmer: Set heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- Let Magic Happen: Allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes, letting the spices infuse beautifully
- Final Touch: Remove the spiced apples and whole cloves from the mixture
- Serve: Pour the warm, fragrant wassail into mugs and serve while hot
Serving Suggestions
This warm, spiced wassail is perfect for holiday gatherings! Serve it in cozy mugs with a fresh apple slice and cinnamon stick for a festive touch. For extra charm, add a small orange wheel on the rim. Your guests will love gathering around with steaming mugs of this aromatic drink during cold weather.
Storage Tips
Let your leftover wassail cool down completely before storing it in the fridge in an airtight container or pitcher. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for more, warm it back up slowly on the stovetop – just don’t let it boil! Quick tip: Remove the whole spices before storing to keep the flavors balanced.
Recipe Variations
Make this wassail your own! Try adding cranberry juice for a tart twist, or swap in pear juice for some of the apple cider. Love it sweeter? Add a bit more brown sugar.
For grown-up parties, a splash of brandy or spiced rum fits right in. Can’t find whole cloves? Ground cloves work just fine – just use them sparingly since they’re more concentrated.
Make-Ahead Tips
Need to save time? Mix all the juices ahead and store them in the fridge. When party time comes, just pop everything in the pot with your spices and apples.
The wonderful smell will fill your home as guests arrive! You can even prep your apple garnishes a few hours ahead – just give them a quick lemon juice bath to prevent browning.
Wassail
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
Wassail Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 15 whole cloves or ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Poke the whole cloves into the apples on all sides.
- Add all of the ingredients, including the apples, to a large pot over medium low heat.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the apples and whole cloves.
- Ladle into mugs and enjoy!
