The Best Homemade Wassail

Seasonal scents of cinnamon and allspice float through the holiday air from this deliciously simple drink, which is The Best Homemade Wassail. Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice, and steeped with fresh-cut fruit and spices. This heartwarming drink is a staple for toasting in warm moments.

Some of my other favorite holiday drinks to serve during the season is this Homemade Eggnog and Apple Cider Hot Toddy.

wassail in clear glass mug with cranberries and orange slice

The Best Homemade Wassail

The anticipation of Christmas Morning still leaves me sleepless on Christmas Eve. No visions of sugarplums dancing through my head can rock me to sleep as I anxiously wait for my kids to excitedly arouse the next morning.

As a kid, I couldn’t wait to charge under the lit tree to find treasures, and now the joy of the morning is brought by watching these same moments ignite on my children’s faces. The true meaning of Christmas is the joy in the birth of our Lord and Savior.

My childhood memories always come rushing in as a catch a scent of homemade wassail floating through the house. No Christmas morning was complete without the heartwarming delicious beverage.

wassail in a white dutch oven with cranberries and orange slices

Ingredients in Homemade Wassail

  • 1 pint Apple Cider
  • 3 cups Orange Juice
  • 1 1/2 cups Cranberry Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Allspice
  • 5 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 4 pieces Whole Star Anise (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 Orange, sliced
  • 1 Apple, cored and sliced

PRO TIP: place the whole allspice berries in a tea strainer to avoid scooping them in your cup. No strainer? Use a coffee filter tied with string.

birds-eye view of wassail in glass mugs with cranberries and orange slices

How to Make The Best Homemade Wassail

This beverage is best served hot after simmering on the stove.

  • Boil. Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberries in a large heavy-bottomed pot and set to medium heat on the stove. Bring to a slow boil and immediately reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer. Place the whole allspice berries and the star anise (if using) in a tea strainer and add to the simmering pot.
  • Garnish. Add the cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, orange slices, and apple to the pot and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Alcohol to Serve with Wassail

Serving wassail with alcohol is entirely optional but makes a delicious party punch or holiday cocktail. The alcohols that pair best with this drink are Brandy, Bourbon, Dark Rum, and Sherry. You could easily whip up a batch of this for the adults and then prepare this Fruit Punch recipe for the kids.

Homemade wassail in a white pot.

The Best Homemade Wassail

Seasonal scents of cinnamon and allspice float through the holiday air from this deliciously simple drink, which is The Best Homemade Wassail. Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice, and steeped with fresh-cut fruit and spices. This heartwarming drink is a staple for toasting in warm moments.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 81kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Ingredients

  • 1 pint Apple Cider
  • 3 cups Orange Juice
  • cups Cranberry Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Allspice
  • 4 Star Anise optional
  • 5 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 Orange sliced
  • 1 Apple cored and sliced

Instructions

  • Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberries in a large heavy-bottomed pot and set to medium heat on the stove. Bring to a slow boil and immediately reduce heat to low.
  • Place the whole allspice berries and the star anise (if using) in a tea strainer and add to the simmering pot. If you don't have a tea strainer use a coffee filter tied up with string or place the spices direction into the pot (you will just need to use a small slotted spoon to remove them before serving).
  • Add the cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, orange slices, and apple to the pot and let simmer for 30 minutes. Ladle into mugs and serve with your choice of alcohol if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
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About The Author

Aimee

I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my space here and love to connect with new friends through food. I’ve always felt sharing meals brings people together, which is one of the many reasons I began this site.

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