There’s nothing quite like the aroma of wassail gently simmering on the stove to make a home feel warm, welcoming, and ready for the holidays. This classic wassail recipe, also known as mulled cider, is made with apple cider, citrus juices, and fragrant mulling spices that fill your kitchen with pure Christmas magic.
Traditionally served during the Christmas season, wassail is perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights at home, or welcoming guests on a cold winter day. That said, it’s so comforting and delicious that you’ll probably want to make it all year long.
What Is Wassail?
Wassail is a traditional hot beverage made by simmering apple cider or apple juice with spices and citrus. The word “wassail” comes from an old English greeting meaning “be well”, which feels fitting for a drink meant to bring warmth, comfort, and togetherness.
Unlike overly sweet punches, wassail has a balanced flavor—sweet, citrusy, gently spiced, and incredibly soothing.
Why You’ll Love This Wassail Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Flavor – Warm spices and citrus create a classic Christmas taste
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just simmer and enjoy
- Aromatic & Cozy – Makes your whole house smell amazing
- Great for a Crowd – Easily serves a group and stays warm on the stove
- Customizable – Adjust spices or sweetness to your taste
We often serve this instead of Christmas punch, and it’s always a favorite with guests.
Ingredients for Homemade Wassail
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully. You can adjust the spices to suit your preference.
- Apple cider
- Fresh orange juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Whole cloves
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Light brown sugar
- Apples, sliced
- Oranges, sliced
Optional Holiday Addition
- Fresh cranberries (for a festive Christmas wassail)
How to Make Wassail (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Clove-Studded Orange
Take a whole orange and gently poke the whole cloves into the peel. This infuses the cider with flavor while keeping the cloves easy to remove later. Place the orange into a large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
Step 2: Add the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into the pot over the clove-studded orange. This creates the base of your wassail.
Step 3: Add Fresh Citrus Juices
Add freshly squeezed orange juice followed by lemon juice. These brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness of the cider.
Step 4: Sweeten the Wassail
Add the light brown sugar to the pot. This step is optional, but it adds a rich depth that complements the spices beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Mulling Spices
Stir in the ground ginger and freshly grated nutmeg. Then add cinnamon sticks and star anise if using. The spices are what give wassail its signature aroma and flavor.
Step 6: Add Fresh Fruit
Top the mixture with sliced apples and oranges. These add natural sweetness and make the wassail visually beautiful as it simmers.
Step 7: Simmer Slowly
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Avoid boiling.
Optional: Christmas Wassail with Cranberries
For an extra festive touch, add fresh cranberries during the last 20 minutes of simmering. They add a pop of color and a slightly tart contrast that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings.
How to Serve Wassail
Serve wassail hot in heat-safe mugs or glasses. Garnish with:
- A cinnamon stick
- An orange slice
- Star anise
- Fresh cranberries
Clear mugs are especially nice because they show off the rich color and floating fruit.
Tips for the Best Wassail
- Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven to prevent scorching
- Keep the heat low—a gentle simmer is key
- Taste and adjust spices or sweetness as it simmers
- Strain before serving for a smoother drink if desired
- Keep warm on low heat during parties
Make-Ahead & Storage
Wassail can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat slowly over low heat
- Stir
