Best 6 Welcoming Wassail Recipes

Wassail is a traditional warm, spiced beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly during the festive season. Originating in England, wassail is typically made with a combination of apple cider, orange juice, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and sometimes fortified with spirits like brandy or rum. This versatile drink has inspired numerous variations and interpretations over time, resulting in a diverse range of wassail recipes. In this curated collection, we present three unique wassail recipes that capture the essence of this classic beverage while offering distinct flavor profiles and serving styles. Explore our recipes for Classic Wassail, a timeless and comforting choice; Cranberry Wassail, a vibrant and tangy twist on the traditional recipe; and Spiked Wassail, a delightful and spirited version perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic or boozy beverage, we have a wassail recipe that will warm your heart and fill your home with holiday cheer.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRANDMA'S WASSAIL

Grandma's Wassail image

An easy recipe for the traditional holiday drink. If you don't have a tea ball, place spice mixture on a small piece of cheesecloth and tie with a string, forming a small pouch.

Provided by Sara P

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English

Time 25m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 gallons apple cider
2 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

Steps:

Mix apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and sugar together in a large pot over medium-low heat.
Place cloves and cinnamon in a tea ball; add ball to the apple cider mixture. Simmer mixture until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Serve from pot with large ladle.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151 calories, Carbohydrate 37.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 25 mg, Sugar 33 g

WASSAIL

Wassail image

This traditional English drink is the perfect combination of fruit and spice! Wassail mixes up in a snap and is the perfect holiday crowd-pleaser!

Provided by Alyssa Rivers

Categories Beverage

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
10 whole cloves
5 cinnamon sticks
5 star anise
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 cup cranberries
1 orange (sliced)
1 apple (sliced)

Steps:

In a large pot over medium-low heat add the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Add in the cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, cranberries, orange, and apple slices.
Let simmer for an hour or all day. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, TransFat 1 g, Sodium 12 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 35 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

WASSAIL

Wassail image

Wassail is a hot mulled cider, traditionally enjoyed during wassailing, an English Christmas drinking ritual intended to ensure a good apple harvest the following year. The whole baked apples floating on top lend a homey feel to the warming festive drink. Serve as is -- or top with a splash of brandy if you like. It's perfect for a big family gathering or holiday party.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories beverage

Time 1h45m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
6 Fuji apples, cored
Four 11.2-ounce bottles English hard cider, such as Strongbow
Two 12-ounce bottles English pale ale, such as Bass
2 cups apple cider
1 cup Madeira
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving
2 wide strips orange zest, plus orange wedges, for serving
2 wide strips lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spoon the sugar into the center of each apple, then place in a 9-inch square baking dish with 1 cup water. Bake until the apples are very tender, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the hard cider, pale ale, apple cider and Madeira to a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Put the cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and lemon zest in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it closed. Add to the pot along with the ginger and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and steep the mixture until the liquid is well spiced and fragrant, about 1 hour.
Add the cooked apples and any of their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Remove the cheesecloth. Serve warm in individual mugs with an orange wedge and cinnamon stick.

WASSAIL

Wassail image

Here is the the beauty of wassail: more than just another nice-tasting drink, it's part of a long (if largely forgotten) tradition of celebrating the life that winter can seem determined to snuff out. It's a fragrant, warming concoction mixed in bulk (this recipe makes 12 servings) and set out for sharing, all but demanding that you call in a crowd. There's really no such thing as wassail for one. A punch bowl is good for this, although you can also ladle it into individual cups. (The New York Times)

Provided by Rosie Schaap

Categories cocktails

Time 2h15m

Yield About 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

5 to 6 small to medium honey crisp (or Fuji or McIntosh) apples, cored
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 cups Madeira
2 bottles (22 4/10 ounces) London Pride Ale
4 bottles (48 ounces) Strongbow English Cider
1 cup apple cider
12 whole cloves
12 whole allspice berries
2 cinnamon sticks, 2 inches long
2 strips orange peel, 2 inches long
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place apples in a 9-by-9-inch glass baking dish. Spoon light and dark brown sugar into center of each apple, dividing sugar evenly among them. Pour 1 cup water into bottom of dish and bake until tender, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, pour Madeira, ale and English and apple ciders into a large slow cooker or heavy pot. Place cloves, allspice, cinnamon and orange peel into cheesecloth, tie shut with kitchen twine and add to slow cooker or pot along with ginger and nutmeg. Set slow cooker to medium, or place pot over low heat. Gently simmer for about 1 hour, while apples bake, or longer if desired.
Add liquid from the baking dish and stir to combine. Using tongs, transfer apples into slow cooker or pot to garnish. Reduce heat. Ladle hot wassail into heatproof cups to serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 209, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 15 milligrams, Sugar 35 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CIDER WASSAIL

Cider Wassail image

This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Since it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. -Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider
1-1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
Dash ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve hot in mugs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 17mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

WELCOMING WASSAIL

Welcoming Wassail image

This is the nicest winter drink I have ever made. My guests expect it every year at our Christmas party.

Provided by Leanne

Categories Punch Beverage

Time 20m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
1/4 cup brandy
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, divided
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

Whip heavy cream together with confectioner's sugar until soft peaks form.
Flavor with 1 TBSP Grand Marnier.
Set aside in refidgerator.
Heat apple cidar and brown sugar together in a large sauce pan to a boil.
Stir until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat.
Add rum, brandy and remaining Grand Marnier.
Stir in spices.
Add lemon and orange slices.
Heat over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Do not boil.
Pour into champagne glasses.
Top each glass with whip ceam and freshly grated nutmeg.

Tips:

Make a non-alcoholic version: Use apple cider, cranberry juice, or sparkling water instead of hard cider or wine.
Add spices to taste: Common spices used in wassail include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can also add a splash of orange or lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Garnish with festive ingredients: Sliced apples, oranges, or cranberries make great garnishes for wassail. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Serve warm: Wassail is best served warm, so reheat it gently before serving if you're making it ahead of time.
Enjoy responsibly: If you're serving wassail with alcohol, be sure to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Conclusion:

Wassail is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. With its warm spices and fruity flavor, it's sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a festive drink to enjoy, give wassail a try. You won't be disappointed!