Cider Wassail

Often mentioned in Christmas carols, wassail is a beverage that’s enjoyed at holiday celebrations. This version is nonalcoholic, made with an apple cider base as well as pineapple and citrus juices to add the sharp element that alcohol would traditionally provide. Simmer the mixture with cinnamon and cloves for a well-rounded sweet-and-spicy flavor.

For your next holiday event, serve wassail straight from a slow cooker on the warm setting, or from an insulated carafe. Another holiday treat? It makes the house smell wonderful.

What is wassail?

Wassail is a traditional English alcoholic beverage that has long been popular during the Christmas season. It’s made with a base of hard cider or ale and is spiced with the warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.

Wassailing is also a ritual that involves singing carols and drinking wassail to wish good health and prosperity to the household and to the apple trees. The practice has evolved over time, and today, many versions of wassail—both with alcohol and without—are enjoyed as a Christmas punch.

Ingredients for Wassail

• Apple cider: The base of our wassail recipe, apple cider is sweet and tart.
• Orange juice: OJ adds a citrusy sweetness that complements the fall spices.
• Pineapple juice: Just 3/4 cup of pineapple juice is enough to add a tropical touch.
• Brown sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for a molasses flavor that balances out the tartness of the cider.
• Lemon juice: A simple squeeze of lemon adds bright, tangy acidity.
• Cinnamon sticks: This recipe calls for two 3-inch sticks.
• Ground cinnamon and cloves: These spices provide a warm, aromatic flavor profile, characteristic of the holiday season.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the ingredients

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In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.

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Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes to bring the flavors together.

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Discard the cinnamon sticks. Serve wassail hot in mugs.

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Recipe Variations

• Adjust the spice blend: Add nutmeg, ground ginger or green cardamom pods for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add fresh ginger: Sliced fresh ginger or a ginger juice shot will add heat.
• Make cranberry wassail: Replace the pineapple juice with cranberry juice. (You may want to adjust the sugar.) Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for a tart and tangy addition.

How to Store Wassail

Once it’s cooled, store wassail, covered, in the fridge for up to seven days. When it’s time to enjoy the drink, simply add the liquid to a saucepan and reheat it (but do not boil it).

Can you freeze wassail?

Yes, you can freeze this wassail recipe. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze.

Can you make wassail ahead of time?

You can absolutely make wassail ahead of time. Cool the finished wassail, store it in the refrigerator and then reheat in a saucepan or slow cooker before serving.

Wassail Tips

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Can you drink wassail cold?

Though wassail is traditionally served warm or hot, there’s no reason you couldn’t serve this wassail recipe on ice as a chilled holiday punch. It would be especially pretty over crushed ice with a splash of ginger ale.

How can you make wassail alcoholic?

For an adults-only beverage, add a splash of cinnamon-infused whiskey, brandy, spiced rum or apple liqueur.

What can you use to garnish mugs of wassail?

It’s easy to spruce up individual servings of wassail. Use orange slices, whole cranberries, apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Here are some other ideas for garnishing your cocktails.