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 Recipe, Please Rate and Review it in the Comments Below. THANKS!

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

Wassail

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 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.
5 from 2 ratings
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Ingredients

  • ½ gallon (1.89 l) apple cider, (2QT)
  • 46 ounces (1.36 l) pineapple juice
  • 2 cups (473 ml) orange juice
  • ½ cup (118 ml) honey, or granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced, optional
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced, optional

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Pour the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice, and honey into a 6-QT or larger stock pot. Stir to combine.
  • 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.

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.
Serving: 8 ounces, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 10mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 34g
Author: Amber Brady
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: English

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