Wassail
A warm, spiced apple cider punch that fills your home with the aroma of cinnamon, clove, and orange. This traditional English winter drink, now a holiday staple across America, combines apple cider with cranberry and citrus, simmered low and slow so every sip tastes like Christmas in a mug.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Slice the orange, apple, and ginger.
1.Slice 1 orange into thin rounds, leaving the peel on.2.Core 1 apple and slice into thin half-moons.3.Peel and slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger into thin coins.TIPLeave the orange peel on — it holds pectin and aromatic oils that give the wassail body and a gentle citrus bitterness. - mix · ~2 min
Combine everything in the pot.
Pour 6 cups apple cider and 2 cups cranberry juice into a large pot. Add the orange slices, apple slices, ginger coins, 4 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 2 star anise, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir.
- simmer · ~45 min
Simmer low and slow for 45 minutes.
1.Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil.2.Immediately reduce the heat to low so the liquid barely bubbles.3.Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice.TIPResist the urge to boil hard — a lazy simmer coaxes out the spice oils without turning the cider cloudy or bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Finish with fresh lemon juice.
Remove the pot from the heat. Fish out the star anise and cinnamon sticks if you prefer a clearer cup. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the entire batch.
- serve
Ladle into mugs and serve warm.
Ladle the hot wassail into heatproof mugs or cups. Float an orange round or a fresh cinnamon stick in each mug as garnish if desired. Serve immediately while steaming.
TIPTo keep wassail warm for a party, transfer it to a slow cooker set on 'keep warm' after step 4.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Stud the orange slices with a few extra whole cloves for a more intense spice aroma.
- 2For a clearer wassail, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- 3Make ahead: simmer the spices in the cider for 30 minutes, then cool and refrigerate; reheat gently.
- 4Adjust sweetness to taste: start with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, add more after simmering.
- 5Use a fresh cinnamon stick per mug as a garnish — it doubles as a stirrer.
- 6Store leftover wassail in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Adapt it for your goals.
Alcoholic
Add 1/2 cup of brandy, dark rum, or bourbon per batch after simmering for a festive adult wassail.
non citrusNon-citrus
Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a deeper, less tart berry flavor.
spicierSpicier
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom and a slit vanilla bean to the simmer for a more complex, aromatic spice profile.
sugar freeSugar-free
Omit the brown sugar entirely; the natural sweetness from the apple cider and fruit slices is enough for a sugar-free version.
jainJain
Skip the ginger and brown sugar; use jaggery or date syrup for sweetness to respect Jain dietary practices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cranberry juice and citrus slices provide polyphenols and vitamin C that support immune health.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
Low in Added Sugar
With only 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for the entire batch, this drink relies on the natural sweetness of apple cider and fruit.
Hydrating and Warming
The apple cider base provides hydration, making it a comforting alternative to caffeinated winter beverages.
Frequently asked questions
Whole spices are recommended because they infuse flavor without making the drink cloudy or gritty. If using ground, reduce to 1/2 teaspoon per spice and strain through a fine sieve.
