A fragrant blend of apple cider, citrus, and warming spices, Wassail is the ultimate festive drink to sip and share during the holiday season.
At first, you may ask, “What the heck is wassail?” You know you’ve heard the song:
“Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green; here we come a-wand’ring so fair to be seen. Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too, and God bless you and send you a Happy New Year, and God send you a Happy New Year.“
So, besides wassail being a tasty, hot apple cider punch, it is a total vibe. To wassail is to celebrate, sing and dance, cheer, and toast to good health and wealth. Traditional wassail was often alcoholic, usually made with ale or mead, though modern recipes are often non-alcoholic. Shakespeare even used the term in Hamlet to refer to getting drunk and rowdy. However, centuries before Shakespeare, the term was used for the drink itself, not just a sensation. Also used to celebrate the Twelfth Night of Christmas, the drink embodies all the flavors of the season.
Wassail is similar to hot apple cider but with more spice and notes of citrus—like an elevated cider dressed up for Christmas. While the main ingredient is apple cider, the sweetness is complemented by the tangy flavors of orange and lemon juice. A comforting aroma fills your home when simmered with apple slices, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It is the perfect soothing and cheerful drink to enjoy on chilly days or after a night of wassailing.
Is Wassail Healthy?
Made with natural fruit juices and aromatic spices, this festive drink contains no added sugar, though it still has a fair amount of natural sugar from the fruit. The orange and lemon juice provide some vitamin C, making it a flavorful alternative to spiked cider or mulled wine when you want something celebratory. While wassail is naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s still a sweet drink, so enjoy it in moderation at your holiday gatherings.
Apple Cider Vs. Apple Juice
When making wassail, you certainly want to use apple cider instead of apple juice, but not everyone knows the difference. While both fruity beverages are made from apples, how they are processed gives each its distinct taste and appearance. Apple cider is made of pressed apples, but is not filtered. It usually has no preservatives and has a noticeable opaque look. It also has a shelf life of about two weeks. On the other hand, apple juice is filtered until it appears translucent and is pasteurized. Juice also contains preservatives to extend the shelf life and does not require refrigeration until it is opened. Now, the big question: Can you substitute apple juice for apple cider when making wassail? You can in a pinch, but be aware the color and taste will vary.
How do I store leftovers?
Once the wassail has cooled to room temperature, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pot (the preferred method) or microwave until it reaches your ideal temperature. If the wassail is frozen, allow it to thaw completely, then reheat and sip!
Serving Suggestions
Wassail is the perfect welcome drink to serve with hors d’oeuvres or appetizers when you have company for the holidays or cooler months. I love serving this warm drink with tea sandwich-sized portions of Brie Grilled Cheese With Apples or Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese. Wassail also goes great with festive desserts like Taylor Swift’s Chai Sugar Cookies, or these Gluten-Free Vegan Carrot Cake Blondies. If you’re feeling spirited, you can spike your wassail with some whiskey or bourbon, as in this Hot Toddy Cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 apple cored and sliced
- 10 whole cloves
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Core and slice the apple and insert the whole cloves into the slices.
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, apple slices with cloves, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Remove the apple slices and spices. Ladle the warm wassail into mugs and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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