This homemade wassail recipe is everything cozy seasons are made of. The blend of warm spices, fresh fruit, and gently simmered juices fills your home with the most comforting aroma. We love making a big pot during cold weather because the fragrance alone feels like a warm hug. The drink itself is soothing, naturally sweetened by fruit, and perfect for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.
This was inspired by my Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe on this site, and pairs well with this Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Wassail Recipe
- Equipment You’ll Need for This Wassail Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work (With Substitutions)
- How to Make This Wassail Recipe
- Variations You Can Try
- Helpful Tips for the Best Wassail Recipe
- What Is Wassail?
- Difference Between Wassail and Mulled Cider
- How to Cook This Wassail Recipe in a Crock Pot
- How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Leftovers
- FAQ for This Wassail Recipe
- More Holiday Recipes
- Cooking With Lori Recipes
- Easy Wassail Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Wassail Recipe
- Made with healthy, whole ingredients that taste amazing.
- Simple to make and perfect for busy days.
- Everyone—kids and adults alike—always loves the warm, cozy flavor.
- Scales beautifully for parties and serves a crowd with ease.
- Stays warm for hours, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Makes your entire house smell like Christmas while it simmers.
- Naturally gluten-free, which works for most guests.
- It’s completely make-ahead friendly, saving time during the holidays.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Wassail Recipe
Using the right tools ensures this apple cider recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- Measuring cups – to accurately measure each juice.
- Strainer or spice infuser / tea ball – to keep the mulling spices contained for easy cleanup.
- Slow Cooker or stock pot – to gently heat and simmer the wassail without boiling.
- Mugs – to serve and enjoy your warm, comforting wassail.
Ingredients & Why They Work (With Substitutions)
- 5 cups apple cider juice - Apple cider is the base of any traditional wassail recipe because it adds natural sweetness and depth. Substitution: Use unfiltered apple juice.
- 3 cups pineapple juice - Pineapple juice adds brightness and a subtle tropical sweetness that balances the warm spices. Substitution: Orange juice works well here.
- 2 cups cranberry juice blend - This gives the drink its festive color while adding tartness to complement the sweet juices. Substitution: Pure cranberry juice.
- 1 whole orange - Sliced and added directly, the orange infuses the wassail recipe with citrus oils and vibrant aroma. Substitution: Use two mandarins or a splash of orange extract.
- 2–3 tablespoons mulling spices - Mulling spices bring the iconic holiday flavor—think cinnamon, clove, allspice, and orange peel. Substitution: Use 2–3 cinnamon sticks + whole cloves + star anise.
See recipe card for full directions.
How to Make This Wassail Recipe
Step 1: Pour the juices (apple cider, pineapple juice, cranberry blend) into a pot. Add the mulling spices to the pot (use 2 tablespoons for mild flavor or 3 for a stronger holiday spice). Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes, but don’t boil. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright.
Step 2: Strain out the spices before serving, especially if you didn’t use a tea ball.
Variations You Can Try
- Spiced Ginger Wassail recipe: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for warmth.
- Citrus Wassail recipe: Add lemon slices for extra brightness.
- Kids’ Party Version: Use 2 tablespoons of spices and add extra pineapple juice for sweetness.
- Sparkling Wassail: After simmering, cool slightly and top each mug with sparkling water.
Helpful Tips for the Best Wassail Recipe
- Use 2 tablespoons of mulling spices for a mild, kid-friendly version.
- Use 3 tablespoons for a richer, more festive holiday flavor.
- Use a spice infuser / tea ball for effortless straining.
- Always simmer gently—boiling will reduce the flavor and concentrate acidity.
- This recipe is make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully.
What Is Wassail?
Wassail is a traditional warm holiday drink made from spiced juices, fruit, and mulling spices. Historically, it was served during caroling and festive gatherings as a way to offer warmth and hospitality. Today, this wassail recipe is still beloved for its cozy aroma and rich seasonal flavor.
Difference Between Wassail and Mulled Cider
While both drinks are warm, comforting, and spice-infused, wassail includes multiple juices—usually apple, pineapple, and citrus—creating a more complex flavor. Mulled cider, however, relies mostly on apple cider with spices. This makes a wassail recipe more layered and fruity compared to simple mulled cider.
How to Cook This Wassail Recipe in a Crock Pot
If you'd rather use a slow cooker, simply add all ingredients to the crock pot. The crock pot keeps your Wassail recipe warm for gatherings without overheating.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or
- Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then switch to WARM.
How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Leftovers
Store leftover wassail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the crock pot—do not boil.
Yes, this freezes perfectly, especially in Souper Cubes. Freeze, pop out the cubes, and reheat on the stove for quick seasonal sipping.
FAQ for This Wassail Recipe
Yes, this wassail recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Absolutely! Make it 24–48 hours in advance and reheat on low.
Yes—add honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to taste.
Definitely! Serve in a crock pot so guests can refill easily.
More Holiday Recipes
Cooking With Lori Recipes
Easy Wassail Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 C apple cider juice
- 3 C pineapple juice
- 2 C cranberry juice blend
- 1 orange
- 2-3 T mulling spices
Instructions
- Pour the juices (apple cider, pineapple juice, cranberry blend) into a pot.
- Add the mulling spices to the pot (use 2 tablespoons for mild flavor or 3 for a stronger holiday spice).
- Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes, but don’t boil. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright. If cooking in a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 4 hours or cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then switch to WARM.
- Strain out the spices before serving, especially if you didn’t use a tea ball.
Notes
Variations
- Spiced Ginger Wassail recipe: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for warmth.
- Citrus Wassail recipe: Add lemon slices for extra brightness.
- Kids’ Party Version: Use 2 tablespoons of spices and add extra pineapple juice for sweetness.
- Sparkling Wassail: After simmering, cool slightly and top each mug with sparkling water.
Helpful Tips for the Best Wassail Recipe
- Use 2 tablespoons of mulling spices for a mild, kid-friendly version.
- Use 3 tablespoons for a richer, more festive holiday flavor.
- Use a spice infuser / tea ball for effortless straining.
- Always simmer gently—boiling will reduce the flavor and concentrate acidity.
- This recipe is make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully.
