Description
Christmas Wassail is a warm, spiced holiday drink that fills your home with festive aromas. Made with a combination of fruit juices, spices, and a touch of sweetness, this traditional drink is perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire. Serve it warm, topped with orange slices and cinnamon sticks, for a comforting and festive treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (optional, for color)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- 1–2 orange slices (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup rum or brandy (optional, for an alcoholic version)
Instructions
- Combine the Juices and Spices: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, cranberry juice (if using), and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the Spices: Add the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice to the pot. Stir to combine the spices evenly with the liquids.
- Heat the Wassail: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and fill your kitchen with a festive aroma.
- Optional Alcoholic Version: If you prefer an alcoholic wassail, add the rum or brandy during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Stir well.
- Serve: Once heated through and aromatic, ladle the wassail into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, and fresh cranberries if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the holiday spirit with this festive drink!
Notes
- You can make wassail ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for several hours.
- Adjust the sweetness of the wassail by adding more or less brown sugar to your taste. If you like it sweeter, you can add honey or maple syrup as well.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum or brandy.
- Feel free to add extra fruit slices like apples or lemons for added flavor and decoration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Drink, Holiday Beverage
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg