Cider Wassail

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

12 servings (2-1/2 quarts)

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Because it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

Ingredients

  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1-1/2 cups orange juice
  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
  • Dash ground cinnamon
  • Dash ground cloves

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve hot in mugs.
Wassail Tips

How can you make wassail alcoholic?

For an adults-only beverage, try adding a splash of cinnamon whiskey or apple liqueur to your wassail. Looking for more recipes? Try these festive Christmas drinks for your next party.

What can you use to garnish mugs of wassail?

It's easy to spruce up individual servings of wassail. Use orange slices, whole cranberries, apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Here are some other ideas for garnishing your cocktails.

How should you store wassail?

Once it's cooled, store wassail, covered, in the fridge for up to 7 days. When it's time to enjoy the drink again, simply add the liquid to a saucepan and reheat (do not boil). Here are some great recipes to use up any leftover apple cider you may have.

—Alicia Rooker, RDN, Taste of Home Senior Recipe Editor/Recipe Tester 

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 107 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.