As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to warm up and bring people together. One traditional way to do just that is with a hearty, spiced drink known as wassail. Wassail has its roots in medieval England, where it was traditionally served at harvest festivals and other celebrations. Today, there are countless variations on this classic recipe, each with its own unique blend of spices and flavors.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 cozy wassail recipes that are perfect for festive gatherings with friends and family. From traditional spiced apple wassail to mulled cranberry orange wassail and slow cooker honey vanilla wassail, there’s something on this list for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory flavors, these recipes are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Traditional Spiced Apple Wassail
Warm up with a classic winter drink that’s sure to delight! This traditional spiced apple wassail recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for cozying up by the fireplace or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sliced lemon.
4. Strain the wassail into cups or a punch bowl before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Mulled Cranberry Orange Wassail
Warm up with this festive Mulled Cranberry Orange Wassail recipe, perfect for cold winter nights and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cranberry juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup mulled wine (red or white)
– Sliced oranges and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it mull for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in mulled wine and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Strain the wassail into warm cups or mugs.
6. Garnish with sliced oranges and cranberries.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Vanilla Wassail
This sweet and spicy wassail is the perfect fall treat to warm up your senses and cozy up with friends and family. This slow cooker recipe combines the comforting flavors of honey, vanilla, and spices for a delightful drink that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange juice, honey, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Strain the wassail into mugs to serve warm.
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
– Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish, if desired.
Bourbon-Spiked Caramel Wassail
Warm up with this rich and decadent wassail, infused with the smoothness of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, water, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Let cool to room temperature.
4. If using bourbon, stir it in just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream and chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Non-Alcoholic Gingerbread Wassail
Warm up with this comforting Non-Alcoholic Gingerbread Wassail recipe, perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 2 cups apple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, thinly sliced
– 1 orange, peeled and sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, apple juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add crystallized ginger and orange slices to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Strain the wassail into a large bowl or individual mugs. Serve warm, garnished with additional crystallized ginger and orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy this soothing and spicy drink as you gather with friends and family during the holiday season!
Pomegranate Cinnamon Wassail Punch
This festive punch combines the flavors of pomegranate, cinnamon, and citrus to create a delicious and warming drink perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Sliced oranges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, pomegranate juice, and orange juice.
2. Add sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg to the pot.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain punch into a large pitcher or individual mugs.
5. Serve warm, garnished with sliced oranges.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Maple Brown Sugar Wassail with Cloves
Warm up on a chilly day with this aromatic and sweet wassail, infused with the warmth of cloves. This maple brown sugar wassail is perfect for a cozy gathering or as a comforting drink on its own.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the whole cloves to the wassail and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors meld together.
3. Strain the wassail into mugs to serve. If desired, add a cinnamon stick to each mug for garnish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Citrus-Infused Holiday Wassail
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful Citrus-Infused Holiday Wassail. Perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at your next festive gathering, this wassail is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
2. Add honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot and stir until honey is dissolved.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let wassail warm for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
5. Strain wassail into a large serving pitcher or individual mugs.
6. Garnish with slices of citrus fruits.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Spiced Pear and Apple Wassail
Warm up with a traditional Spiced Pear and Apple Wassail that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup pear juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, pear juice, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add sliced lemon and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the wassail into a large serving pitcher or individual mugs to serve hot.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hot Cranberry Wassail with Star Anise
Warm up with this fragrant and flavorful Hot Cranberry Wassail with Star Anise, perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
– 4 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cranberries, apple cider, water, and honey. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Add cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and nutmeg. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Strain the wassail into a large pitcher or individual mugs to serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy this soothing and aromatic drink with family and friends!
Vanilla Chai Wassail for a Crowd
This fragrant and comforting drink is perfect for serving a group of people on a chilly day. With the combination of vanilla, chai spices, and apple cider, this wassail recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
– Sliced citrus fruits and spices, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Taste and add honey or sugar if desired.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sliced citrus fruits and spices.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Wassail
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Wassail Recipe
Warm up with this classic wassail recipe, perfect for chilly winter nights. This slow cooker mulled wine is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the red wine, sliced orange, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
4. Add the water and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Note: You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking. This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Spiced Cherry Wassail with Brandy
This Spiced Cherry Wassail with Brandy is a rich and comforting drink perfect for cold winter evenings. The combination of sweet cherries, warm spices, and brandy will transport you to a cozy cabin by the fireplace.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry juice (such as tart cherry or Morello cherry)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brandy (or to taste)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine cherry juice, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Pour the wassail into mugs or cups. Add brandy to taste (optional).
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Orange Blossom Honey Wassail
This delightful drink combines the sweetness of honey and orange blossom water with the warmth of apple cider, perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup orange blossom water
– 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– Whipped cream and orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider and orange blossom water. Heat over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the orange blossom honey and stir until dissolved.
3. If desired, add a cinnamon stick to the pot for added warmth and flavor.
4. Ladle the wassail into mugs or cups.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and orange slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Apple Cider Wassail with Allspice
This traditional wassail recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, featuring the warmth of apple cider, cinnamon, and allspice. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the wassail to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to add richness and creaminess.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Ginger Peach Wassail with Rum
Warm up with this delightful Ginger Peach Wassail with Rum, a perfect blend of spicy and sweet flavors to cozy up on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, sliced
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add sliced ginger, diced peaches, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the wassail into a serving pitcher or mugs. If desired, stir in dark rum.
4. Chill the wassail by placing it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves and ice cubes if preferred.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
Rosemary Lemon Wassail for Winter Nights
As the cold winter nights descend, a warm and fragrant cup of Rosemary Lemon Wassail is just what you need to cozy up by the fire. This delightful drink combines the invigorating scent of rosemary with the brightness of lemon, perfect for a soothing winter’s evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and rosemary leaves. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture into a teapot or mug to serve. If desired, add a cinnamon stick for an extra layer of warmth.
4. Enjoy hot, with a slice of lemon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Slow Cooker Spiced Pineapple Wassail
Warm up with a sweet and spicy twist on traditional wassail, perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
4. Stir in chopped fresh pineapple just before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Cardamom and Clove Wassail Punch
This traditional wassail punch is infused with the warm, aromatic spices of cardamom and clove, perfect for cold winter evenings or festive gatherings. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, water, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add cardamom and cloves to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Remove from heat and add sliced lemon. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
5. Strain wassail punch into a serving vessel, discarding spices and lemon slices. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes + 30-minute infusion time
Hot Wassail Tea with Cinnamon Sticks
Hot wassail tea is a traditional winter warmer made with apples, spices, and cinnamon sticks. This recipe is perfect for cold days when you need a comforting cup to lift your spirits.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 large apple, peeled and sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sliced apple.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into mugs or cups, discarding the solids.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Get cozy this holiday season with these 20 delicious wassail recipes! From traditional spiced apple to bourbon-spiked caramel and non-alcoholic gingerbread options, there’s something for everyone. Mulled cranberry orange, slow cooker honey vanilla, and pomegranate cinnamon are just a few of the flavorful and festive variations that will warm your guests’ hearts and hands. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to add some cheer to your winter gatherings, these wassail recipes are sure to be a hit.
