This Hot Wassail Recipe combines apple cider, pineapple juice and orange juice with a great cinnamon undertone for a perfect holiday drink! It can be made on the stove or in a slow cooker!
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I love hot drinks, warm apple cider, a big cup of hot cocoa, or this hot wassail. This hot wassail is the perfect addition to any winter day or perfect for a holiday party!
This wassail is so easy to make and it can be made on the stove top or in a slow cooker. You just need all your ingredients to heat up together nicely, you can decide if you want it done in 30 minutes or a couple hours. You just want all the flavors to meld together nicely.
The slow cooker is a great way to keep the wassail nice and warm throughout a party or whatever event you might be serving it at too.
What is wassail?
Wassail is a mixture of apple cider, other juices, and spices, all warmed up to make a hearty and delicious drink. It is like an amped up apple cider, and perfect for holiday parties. BTW, it’s pronounced “wah – sul”.
This version is made with apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sugar.
How to make Hot Wassail?
For this wassail you’ll need apple cider (100% juice), pineapple juice and orange juice. (You’ll want those to be 100% juice too). The citrus juices combine nicely with the sweet apple juice and your spices to make a delicious fall or wintery drink. Along with your fruit juices, you’ll add some whole cinnamon sticks and some whole or ground cloves. Also a dash of lemon juice and sugar.
You’ll add it all into your stock pot or slow cooker and let it all meddle together till the flavors mix up nicely.
Then ladle it up and enjoy. (You can also strain it to get out any spice pieces if you don’t want to risk them being in individual cups).
Tips for making Wassail:
- Apple cider and Apple juice can be different names for the same product. In some states apple cider is processed differently, but some brands just name them differently. You can use either for this recipe.
- This wassail can be made on the stove top, or in the slow cooker. If you want to keep it hot throughout an evening party, keeping it in the slow cooker on low or warm is a great option.
- This wassail can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat it on the stove until it’s warm again, or enjoy cold.
- You can leave out the sugar if your juices are already very sweet. You could also add a couple Tablespoons of honey instead.
- You can add alcohol to the drink to make it more of an adult drink. Try 1-2 cups of rum, brandy, bourbon, or wine.
- You could also add in 1/4 tsp of ginger, nutmeg, or all spice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is wassail made of?
Wassail is made of whole cloves (or ground cloves), apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar. While delicious, it can also help promote good health with its rich mix of juices and scented ingredients.
What is the difference between apple cider and wassail?
A traditional wassail recipe and an apple cider recipe do not have major differences, however wassail is almost always served hot while cider is served both cold and warm depending on user preference. They both taste exceptional, especially when the apples are fresh (see if you can get them from local apple orchards or farm). Hot apple cider and wassail can be very similar, and both can be made in a large slow cooker, so it usually comes down to preferring it hot or cold.
What nationality is wassail?
Wassail is from Britain before Christianity arrived. It is now frequently made and drank around the holidays including Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Christmas day, as well as part of other holiday tradition. It is a warm holiday drink where the sweetness of apple mixed with spices hits a nostalgic note.
Does wassail contain alcohol?
Wassail does not always contain alcohol, and this particular recipe does not include it. However, it is common for wassail to include alcohol (usually rum or other dark spirits). If you want to, add some rum to this recipe and enjoy!
Can I add anything else to this wassail?
Yes, you can add a couple star anise to the top for even more flavor, as well as orange slices, extra cinnamon sticks for presentation, as well as apple slices. After cooking this on low heat to medium heat and adding one or several of these add-ons, this wassail is the perfect aromatic, warm drink to help get you through the cold winter months with high spirits.
This is the perfect drink for your upcoming Christmas party, or New Year’s Eve party. It would also be delicious to come home to after a snowy walk or a day sledding at the park. It’s so warm and delicious, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do!
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Hot Wassail
Ingredients
- 8 cups 2 quarts apple cider (100% juice)
- 2 cups orange juice (100% juice)
- 2 cups pineapple juice (100% juice)
- 4 long cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp ground cloves (or whole)
- 1/4 cup sugar**
Optional:
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 1 orange sliced
- 12 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pan or in a slow cooker.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or heat in slow cooker on high for about 2 hours.
- Strain the liquid before serving to remove any cinnamon stick or clove pieces.
- Ladle into cups or mugs and enjoy! (Stir occasionally as your ladling so the spices don't all sink to the bottom)
- Serve with orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks to, if desired.
Video
Notes
I love making swaps using SPLENDA® Sweetners to cut some of the added sugar out of my recipes. Be sure to follow SPLENDA® Brand on social media for more sweet swap ideas. Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. Instagram.
GET READY TO MAKE THIS AMAZING HOT WASSAIL WITH THESE GREAT KITCHEN TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS:
Lisa Vincenty says
I served this cold for thanksgiving, it was gone in the first hour, used about 1/2 the added sugar & added club soda for fizz, everyone wanted the recipe
Ellen says
so glad everyone loved it
micky says
made this for yule my family loved it I used grapefruit juice instead of the orange cause of allergies but it still turned out delicious.
Aimee says
Yay, I’m so happy to hear that
Kim says
This is a great drink for the holidays yes butttttt, when it is cold and snowing out I make this so as everyone comes in from work they can grab a cup and warm up before dinner
Angela says
And if you want to be a little more festive, you can add 1-1/2 cups Rum at the end before serving to add a new layer of warmth!!! Delish!!
Aimee says
Great tip!
Gloria says
I’m glad these recipes stay online for so long. I made this Wassail recipe this morning and brought it in for co-workers. They absolutely love the drink! Many had never heard of it before. Thank you.
Nikki says
Thank you! This will be perfect for parties!
Aimee Berrett says
Thanks Nikki! I think so too!
Julie Evink says
Mmmm this looks like a fabulous drink to enjoy at the holidays!
Aimee Berrett says
Thanks Julie!