Easy Holiday Wassail Drink

This easy holiday wassail brings warmth and cheer to your winter gatherings with its inviting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Combining apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, and seasonal spices, it’s a cozy drink that feels like a festive hug in a mug. Perfect for cold nights, holiday parties, or simply sipping by the fire, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with comforting flavor. Whether you make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, it fills your home with the spirit of the season.

I discovered this wassail recipe one chilly December evening, and now it’s a beloved tradition my family looks forward to every holiday season. The scent alone makes everyone smile before the first sip.

Ingredients

• Eight cups apple cider: provides the classic, fruity base so important for authentic flavor choose freshpressed if possible for best taste
• Two cups orange juice: brings brightness and balances sweetness freshsqueezed is ideal
• One cup pineapple juice: adds tropical sweetness and depth to the flavor profile
• Half cup brown sugar: enhances the spices with a rich, molasses note adjust for your preferred sweetness
• Three cinnamon sticks: the warming backbone of the spice blend whole sticks release flavor slowly and clearly
• One teaspoon whole cloves: add aromatic depth without overpowering the drink
• One teaspoon whole allspice berries: gives a subtle complexity and earthiness
• Four star anise (optional): lends a gentle licorice note use if you enjoy a more aromatic punch
• One orange sliced into rounds: adds visual appeal and fresh citrus oils
• One apple sliced into rounds: infuses mild sweetness and a tender bite
• One lemon sliced into rounds: cuts through the sweetness with a hint of tartness
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warmth and softness
• Pinch of ground nutmeg: provides subtle warmth enhancing the other spices
• Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish): pop of color for presentation and a hint of tartness

Instructions

Gather and Prepare Ingredients:

Slice the orange, apple, and lemon into quarterinch rounds, taking care to remove any seeds. Having all spices measured and ready makes the process smooth. If using a slow cooker, set it to low. If on the stovetop, prepare a large pot. Organization at this stage makes the rest effortless.

Combine the Liquids:

Pour apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice into your slow cooker or pot. These juices blend fruity sweetness with tartness creating a lively base. Stir well to mix the flavors together.

Add Sweetener and Spices:

Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise into the mixture. Using whole spices rather than ground ones keeps the drink clear without grit. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.

Add Fresh Fruit Slices:

Gently drop the citrus and apple slices on top of the liquid. They float and release inviting aromas throughout cooking. As they soften, some slices may sink. These tender fruits become a delightful treat served alongside the drink.

Heat and Infuse:

Cover and cook on low for two to three hours in a slow cooker. If using the stovetop, bring to just below a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and gently warm for thirty minutes to two hours. Avoid boiling as it dulls flavors and cooks away aromatics. The longer gentle heat allows spices to meld beautifully.

Taste and Adjust:

After an hour or so, carefully taste your wassail. Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar or honey if desired. If you want stronger spice notes, add another cinnamon stick or a few cloves and continue warming. Balance is key so the drink feels warm, spicy, and fruity without overwhelming sweetness or spice.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot wassail into mugs, including a few pieces of the spiced fruit. Remove whole spices if preferred or leave them in for ongoing infusion. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Keep the wassail warm so guests can enjoy refills.

This wassail recipe reminds me of childhood Christmas Eve celebrations when the aroma would swirl through the house and bring everyone into the kitchen. I especially love how the cinnamon sticks provide a cozy, comforting scent that lingers long after the last cup is gone.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving again. Flavors often deepen overnight making the next day even better.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cranberry juice instead of pineapple juice for a tart, rubyred version. If you do not have whole spices, put ground ones in a small cheesecloth or tea infuser so you can remove them easily. For a different sweet note, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic holiday cookies, gingerbread, or spiced nuts for a complete festive spread. The warmed fruit slices can be served alongside as a cozy compote or over vanilla ice cream for dessert.

This simple wassail fills the home with cozy holiday aroma and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What juices are used in this holiday wassail?

Apple cider, freshly squeezed orange juice, and pineapple juice create the flavorful, fruity base.

→ Which spices provide the warming aroma?

Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise, nutmeg, and vanilla bring deep festive warmth.

→ How long should the drink simmer for best flavor?

Simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours to let spices infuse fully without overpowering the fruit notes.

→ Can I prepare this drink in advance?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently to allow flavors to develop overnight.

→ What garnishes enhance the presentation?

Fresh orange, apple, lemon slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks add color and festive appeal.

→ How can I adjust sweetness or spice levels?

Modify brown sugar amount or add more cinnamon and cloves during heating to suit your taste.