Introduction

Wassail is a warm, spiced beverage perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. This fruity, aromatic drink blends apple cider and citrus juices with warming spices to create a festive treat that’ll fill your home with inviting scents.

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with bright orange apple cider, each with a cinnamon stick standing upright inside. The mugs are placed on a round piece of light birch wood with visible bark texture, creating a rustic look. One mug is closer to the camera, showing slight condensation near the rim, while the other stands slightly behind it. In the foreground, there is a red apple and a sliced apple piece resting on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred with dark green leaves and red foliage, enhancing the cozy autumn feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups apple cider
3 cups orange juice
1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice
2 Tbsp honey (optional, or to taste)
2 three-inch cinnamon sticks
2 tsp cloves

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot (at least 6 quarts), whisk together the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice, and honey until well combined. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Strain the wassail to remove the spices, then serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks for added presentation.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a few whole allspice berries or a star anise during simmering.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, adjust the honey to your taste or substitute with maple syrup.
To make it adults-only, stir in a splash of dark rum or bourbon just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving to preserve the flavors without scorching the honey.

How to Serve

The image shows five clear glass mugs and cups filled with a warm, light golden drink that looks thick. The mugs vary in size and shape: the smallest cup on the left is shallow with a smooth curve, the next mug is medium-large with a handle and a red slice of fruit floating inside, the tallest glass in the center is footed with a cinnamon stick standing up inside, the next mug is medium with a handle and a cinnamon stick in the drink, and the smallest cup on the right is round with a handle and no garnishes. The drinks have a smooth texture without foam. They sit on a white marbled surface with small pinecones and red autumn leaves scattered around, and green and red leaves in the blurry wooden background behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make wassail ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare wassail a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat slowly before serving to keep the spices and fruit flavors vibrant.

What can I use to garnish wassail?

Fresh orange slices, whole cinnamon sticks, or even star anise make beautiful and aromatic garnishes that enhance the festive feel of the drink.

Warm Wassail Mulled Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 123 reviews

A warm and cozy traditional Wassail recipe that combines apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice infused with cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this spiced beverage is simmered to blend flavors and served warm, optionally garnished for an inviting presentation.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

8 cups apple cider
3 cups orange juice
1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice

Spices & Sweetener

2 Tbsp honey (optional, or to taste)
2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
2 tsp cloves

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot (at least 6 quarts or larger), whisk together the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange juice, and honey until well blended. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves to the mixture.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the wassail simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Strain and Serve: After simmering, strain the wassail to remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Serve the warm beverage immediately, garnished if desired for extra festivity.

Notes

Honey is optional and can be adjusted for desired sweetness.
For garnish, consider adding fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise for a festive touch.
Use a large pot to prevent overflow during boiling.
Simmer gently to avoid burning the cider and to maintain flavor balance.

Keywords: wassail, warm cider, holiday drink, spiced cider, apple cider drink, festive beverage