Easy Wassail is a traditional holiday drink that fills your home with the most wonderful aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. This warming beverage combines apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness, creating a comforting drink that’s perfect for cold winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or Christmas celebrations. The name wassail comes from an old English toast meaning good health, and this drink has been warming hearts for centuries. Unlike complicated punch recipes, this version is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a slow cooker or stovetop pot and a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, welcoming carolers, or simply want something cozy to sip by the fire, this easy wassail delivers festive cheer in every cup.
Serving Quantity: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- Half cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 4 star anise (optional)
- 1 orange (sliced into rounds)
- 1 apple (sliced into rounds)
- 1 lemon (sliced into rounds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamin C: 35mg
- Potassium: 285mg
1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Slice the orange, apple, and lemon into thin rounds, about a quarter inch thick. Remove any seeds from the citrus slices. These fruit slices will infuse the wassail with additional flavor while also looking beautiful floating in the drink. Measure out all your spices and have them ready. If you’re using a slow cooker, plug it in and set it to low. If making on the stovetop, have a large pot ready. Organization before you start makes the process smooth and effortless.
2. Combine the Liquids
Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice into your slow cooker or large pot. The combination of these three juices creates a complex, fruity base that’s both sweet and slightly tart. Stir everything together to combine. The apple cider provides the traditional wassail foundation, while the orange juice adds brightness and the pineapple juice contributes tropical sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
3. Add Sweetener and Spices
Add the brown sugar to the liquid mixture and stir until it dissolves completely. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor that enhances the warming spices. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and star anise if using. Using whole spices rather than ground versions keeps the wassail clear and prevents a gritty texture. The spices will infuse their flavors slowly as the wassail heats. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of ground nutmeg for additional warmth and depth.
4. Add Fresh Fruit Slices
Drop the orange, apple, and lemon slices into the wassail. They’ll float on top and look festive while releasing their essential oils and flavors into the drink. The fruit also serves as a beautiful garnish when serving. Some pieces may sink as they soften, which is perfectly fine. The fruit becomes tender and slightly candied as it simmers, and some people enjoy eating the warm fruit pieces after drinking the wassail.
5. Heat and Infuse
If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. The wassail is ready when it’s steaming hot and the entire house smells like Christmas. If making on the stovetop, bring the mixture to just below a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it heat gently for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours for the best flavor infusion. Don’t let it boil as this can make the flavors harsh and cook off some of the aromatic compounds. The longer it simmers gently, the more the spices will infuse and the flavors will meld together.
6. Taste and Adjust
After the wassail has been heating for at least an hour, taste it carefully since it will be hot. Assess the sweetness and spice levels. If you prefer it sweeter, add more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. If the spice flavor isn’t strong enough, add another cinnamon stick or a few more cloves and continue heating. Everyone’s taste preferences differ, so adjust to your liking. The wassail should taste warm and spicy with balanced sweetness and fruit flavors. It should not be cloying or overpoweringly spiced.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot wassail into mugs, making sure each serving gets a few pieces of the spiced fruit. Use a slotted spoon to fish out the whole spices if you prefer, though many people leave them in for continued infusion. Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick for stirring and a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color if desired. The presentation is festive and inviting. Keep the wassail warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting throughout your gathering so guests can help themselves to refills.
Tips for Perfect Easy Wassail
Use fresh, high-quality apple cider rather than apple juice for the most authentic flavor. Fresh-pressed cider from an orchard or farmers market is ideal, but good quality store-bought works fine too.
Whole spices are essential for clear wassail without sediment. If you only have ground spices, place them in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser so you can remove them easily before serving.
Make this recipe in large batches for parties by doubling or tripling all ingredients. It keeps well and guests love having a warm drink option throughout an event.
A small mesh strainer or slotted spoon near the serving area helps guests avoid getting whole spices in their mugs.
For adult gatherings, add rum, brandy, or bourbon to individual mugs rather than to the entire batch. This allows both drinkers and non-drinkers to enjoy the wassail.
The wassail can simmer all day on the warm or low setting of a slow cooker, continuing to develop flavor. Add more cider if it reduces too much.
Make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving. The flavors actually improve overnight.
For a sparkling version, mix half the recipe as directed, then top each serving with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale just before serving.
Freeze leftover wassail in ice cube trays, then use the cubes in hot tea, cider, or even cocktails throughout the winter season.
Add fresh ginger slices along with the other spices for extra warmth and a slightly spicy kick that complements the sweet flavors.
For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to a quarter cup or omit it entirely, letting the natural fruit sugars provide sweetness.
Serve with holiday cookies, gingerbread, or spiced nuts for a complete festive spread that guests will love.
The fruit slices become deliciously tender and can be served alongside the wassail as a warm fruit compote or over ice cream for dessert.
Add a vanilla bean split lengthwise instead of vanilla extract for more complex vanilla flavor and visual appeal.
Use cranberry juice in place of pineapple juice for a more tart, less sweet version that’s beautiful ruby red in color.
Package the dry spice mixture in small muslin bags with instructions as homemade gifts. Recipients just add the liquids and heat for instant wassail.
Clean-up is easier if you strain out the fruit and spices before storing leftovers. Store the liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For children’s parties, serve in clear mugs so they can see the beautiful fruit slices floating inside. It makes the drink feel special and festive.
Add a splash of maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different depth of sweetness with subtle caramel notes.
The aroma of simmering wassail is part of its charm. Start it a few hours before guests arrive so your home smells incredible when they walk in.
