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Warm your heart and soul with a steaming mug of this traditional wassail. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones during the holidays or simply seeking a comforting drink to enjoy by the fireside, this wassail recipe will fill your home with the fragrant, spicy goodness of mulled apple cider. Made easy on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Want more holiday drinks? Try my Cranberry Orange Mocktail, Holiday Punch, Sparkling Apple Cider, or Red Christmas Punch.

A mug full of wassail (aka mulled apple cider).

What is Wassail?

Wassail, also known as mulled apple cider, is a traditional warm spiced beverage, often associated with the holiday season. It’s made by simmering a combination of fruit juices, spices, and sweeteners and was first created by the English for wassailing, or singing carols, wishing good health, and exchanging gifts door to door.

Wassail pairs the sweetness of apples with the tang of citrus and the bold flavor of spices all wrapped into a warm soothing drink. BONUS: Making this wassail recipe will also make your house smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love this Drink

  • Warmth and Comfort: Wassail is a comforting and warming drink, making it perfect for chilly winter days. It helps chase away the cold and provides a sense of coziness.
  • Entertaining Guests: Wassail is an excellent choice for hosting gatherings and parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser and serves many guests.
  • Unique Flavors: Wassail’s combination of apple cider, spices, and fruit juices creates a unique and flavorful drink that’s different from everyday beverages.

Ingredients for this Wassail Recipe

There are only six ingredients in this traditional wassail recipe.

Ingredients to make wassail (mulled cider).
  1. Apple Cider: The apple cider serves as the base, providing a sweet and slightly tart apple flavor that’s both soothing and familiar.
  2. Pineapple Juice: The addition of pineapple juice adds a tropical twist to the wassail, contributing a touch of brightness and a hint of tanginess that complements the apple cider’s sweetness.
  3. Orange Juice: Orange juice enhances the overall citrus notes, adding a zesty and refreshing element to the drink.
  4. Honey: The honey brings a natural sweetness and a subtle floral complexity, balancing the flavors and providing a smooth mouthfeel.
  5. Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon sticks infuse the wassail with warm, spicy notes, creating a delightful aroma and adding depth to the taste.
  6. Whole Cloves: Cloves contribute a rich and aromatic essence, offering a slightly earthy, peppery, and warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

The combination of these ingredients results in a wassail that’s both sweet and tangy, with a medley of fruity, spicy, and aromatic notes.

OPTIONAL: I like to throw in a sliced apple and orange for extra flavor as well, but it’s not necessary. You could also insert the cloves into these fruits whole (instead of sliced), so it’s easier to remove the aromatics from the mulled cider before serving.

How to Make Mulled Apple Cider

You’ve got two options when making wassail, or mulled apple cider. Using a 6-QT or larger stock pot on the stovetop, or using a 6 to 8-QT slow cooker. Both work just fine.

Steps to make wassail (mulled cider).
  • Pour the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice, and honey into a large pot. Stir to combine.
Wassail (mulled cider) being made on the stovetop. Can also put in crockpot.
  • Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Insert slices of an apple and orange, if desired.
  • Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 1 hour, keeping the simmer to a minimum. (Don’t boil it all away.)
  • If desired, strain the spices and sliced fruit from the liquid into a large pot using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Ladle the hot mulled cider into mugs and enjoy.

TO MAKE IN A CROCKPOT: Add ingredients as instructed into a 6 to 8-QT slow cooker instead of a stockpot. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Serve warm.

Mugs full of wassail (mulled cider).

Recipe Tips and Storage

Can I make this Wassail with alcohol?

While wassail is traditionally a non-alcoholic drink, you could certainly add alcohol if you wish by adding a splash of brandy or rum to taste.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices in Wassail?

Yes, however, whole spices impart flavor without making the texture of the wassail somewhat chalky from the powdered spices. Always start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.

Can I make wassail in advance?

Yes, you can prepare wassail in advance and reheat it in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker when needed. It’s a great make-ahead beverage for parties and gatherings.

How long can I store leftover wassail?

Leftover wassail can be refrigerated and stored for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it when ready to enjoy.

Can I serve wassail cold or does it have to be hot?

Wassail is traditionally served hot, but you can enjoy a cold version by refrigerating it and serving it over ice if you prefer a chilled beverage.

*If you make this, please rate and review the recipe in the comments below. THANKS!

A mug full of wassail (aka mulled apple cider).

Wassail

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 servings

This wassail recipe, or mulled apple cider, is a warm non alcoholic drink infused with citrus and spices, made easy on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gallon apple cider
  • 46 oz can pineapple juice
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1/2 cup honey (or granulated sugar)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 apple sliced, optional
  • 1 orange sliced, optional

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice, and honey into a 6-QT or larger stock pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Insert slices of an apple and orange, if desired.
  3. Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 1 hour, keeping the simmer to a minimum. (Don’t boil it all away.)
  4. If desired, strain the spices and sliced fruit from the liquid into a large pot using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Ladle the hot mulled cider into mugs and enjoy.

Notes

    • TO MAKE IN A CROCKPOT: Add ingredients as instructed into a 6 to 8-QT slow cooker instead of a stockpot. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Serve warm.
    • YIELD: Approximately 1 gallon of mulled cider.
    • TIP: Poke the whole cloves into the skin of the apple and orange (whole instead of sliced), so it’s easier to remove the aromatics from the mulled cider when serving.
    • To substitute ground spices: Use 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 3/4 tsp ground cloves. Up to 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg is also a nice addition.
    • To add more tang: Use half the amount of honey (or sugar) or add the juice from 1 lemon; about 2-3 Tablespoons.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gProtein: 1g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix, and is an estimation only.

author: Amber Brady / Cuisine: English / Category: Drinks
© Dessert Now Dinner Later. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-create the recipe, snap YOUR OWN PHOTO and re-write the recipe in YOUR OWN WORDS, or link back to this post for the recipe.

*Originally published 11/11/2012. Post updated November 2023.