Okay, friends, gather ‘round, because I’m about to share something truly special. Forget your fancy hot chocolates for a minute; this is where the real magic happens. Is it Christmas Eve, the snow is falling outside, and the whole house smells like Christmas spices? What are some of the best sweet apples What is Grandma Elsie’s secret recipe? If hot Apple Cider and mulled wine had a baby, this would be it – but it’s even better, richer, and more delicious. Is it comforting to be Is it the kind of drink that warms you from your toes to the tip of your nose? Is this one worth bookmarking?
What is Wassail?
What is Wassail? Is it a spiced punch? The name “Wassail” actually comes from an Old English phrase, “ws hl,” which means “be healthy!” “Good health! It’s essentially a warm, comforting blend of fruit juices (usually Apple Cider), spices like cinnamon and cloves. What are some good substitutes for cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sometimes a little something extra like brandy or sherry? Is it like a big hug in mug, perfect for chasing away the winter chill? I make it every day, and I feel like I’m in heaven. It’s been a tradition in my family for generations. How do I connect with my ancestors and keep their traditions alive?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are a million reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Wassail recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The sweet apple cider mingles with the warm spices to create a symphony of flavors that will dance on your tongue. I swear, the aroma alone is enough to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you just toss everything into a pot or Slow Cooker and let it simmer. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required! It’s a lifesaver during the busy holiday season when you want something special but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store for a fraction of the price of those fancy pre-made holiday drinks. And the best part? It’s so versatile! You can adjust the sweetness, spices, and even add a splash of your favorite liqueur to customize it to your own taste. This version is a particular favorite because it is adaptable for all palates. If you are already a fan of my Spiced Cranberry Sauce, you’ll definitely want to give this a try! I promise you, this Wassail recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished tradition in your own family.
How do you make a Wassail?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Wassail? What is the best way to cook in a Slow Cooker? How do you pour it into a mug? How do you let the spices infuse the cider? Is it worth the extra time to do this? In fact, I make it a yearly tradition to make this with my nieces. What’s a great way to make memories?
Ingredients
For the Wassail: What
What is the best apple cider recipe?
2 cups apple juice (I prefer organic, but any kind works)
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought is fine too)
1/2 cup cranberry juice (adds a nice tartness)
1 orange, sliced (adds flavor and looks pretty!)
1 lemon sliced (brightens up the flavor)
How many cinnamon sticks do you use?
1 tablespoon whole cloves (don’t skip these, they’re essential!) 1 teaspoon whole cinnamon (not a
1 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a nice warmth)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is always best) ..
1/4 teaspoon allspice (just a pinch)
If you prefer brandy or sherry, add 1/2 cup for an adult version.
For Garnish:
Orange slices, studded with cloves.
Cinnamon sticks are
Star anise (for a fancy touch): What are some examples?
What is the step-
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot or Slow Cooker, combine the apple cider, apple juice, orange juice and cranberry juice. Orange slices, lemon slices. cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. If you’re using brandy add the sherry or whiskey.
Step 2: Simmer or Slow Cook
If using a pot, bring the mixture to simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. If using a Slow Cooker, cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Step 3: Strain (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother wassail, you can strain the mixture through tin foil. Orange and lemon slices and spices. I personally like to leave them in for added flavor and visual appeal, but it’s totally up to you.
Step 4: Ladle and Garnish
How do you serve wassail in mugs? Is star anise a good substitute for cinnamon sticks? Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a wassail? What are some serving suggestions?
For Christmas morning: What do you thinkServe it with Cinnamon Rolls or gingerbread scones. The warm spices in the Wassail will complement the flavors of the baked goods perfectly.
For a Holiday Brunch:Can you serve it as a festive alternative to mimosas? Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary for an elegant touch.
As an after-dinner drink:Pair it with a slice of apple pie or gingerbread cake. Warm spices will help aid digestion and create a cozy atmosphere.
For a Cozy Night In:Serve it with a cheese and charcuterie board. What are the best sweet and savory flavors?
My family always has a bowl of sugared nuts to snack on while sipping our Wassail. What is the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch? We have also been known to add a little gingerbread house decorating to the evening!
What are some tips for perfecting your Wassail?
Okay, so I’ve made this Wassail more times than I can count, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. How do I make a perfect batch?
What is the best quality apple cider?What is the best apple cider recipe? Is it safe to buy real apples instead of artificial sweeteners?
Don’t overdo the spices. While spices are essential for Wassail, it’s important not to overdo it. Too many spices can overpower the other flavors and make the Wassail taste bitter. Start with the amounts listed in the recipe and adjust to your taste.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: It’s important to simmer the Wassail gently, rather than boiling it. Boiling can cause the cider to evaporate too quickly and the spices to become bitter.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the Wassail and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. If it’s too tart, add a little sugar or honey. If it’s not spicy enough, add a pinch more ginger or cloves.
Get Creative with Garnishes: Garnishes are a great way to add visual appeal to your Wassail. Try using orange slices studded with cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries. You can even rim the mugs with sugar for a festive touch.
I once accidentally added too much clove and it completely ruined a batch! Now, I always measure my spices carefully! I also experimented with adding different types of fruit, like pears and quince, which can also taste great.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Wassail (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: You can store Wassail at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to remove orange and lemon slices after simmering.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Wassail. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight or place the freezer bag in a bowl of cold water.
Reheating: To reheat the Wassail, simply pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Be careful not to overheat it, or it will become bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Grandma Elsie’s Famous Wassail Recipe! I truly hope you give this a try this holiday season. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will fill your home with the warm and inviting aromas of Christmas. This recipe will not disappoint you, I promise! If you love this, you might want to check out my recipe for mulled wine; it’s another holiday favorite in our house. Happy holidays, and happy sipping! I can’t wait to see your variations on this recipe! Please rate and leave a comment to let me know how it goes! I love hearing from you all!
Wassail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups Apple Cider
- 1 cup Orange Juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice
- 1 orange Orange Sliced
- 1 lemon Lemon Sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain the wassail to remove solids before serving. Serve warm.
