Easy Wassail Recipe
User Reviews
5
Easy Wassail Recipe
Description
The Easy Wassail Recipe blends apple cider with citrus juices and pineapple juice to create a fruity base balanced with brown sugar sweetness. Whole and ground spices including cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and star anise infuse the liquid, lending a layered warmth and gentle spice. The traditional simmering method extracts rich flavors, while simmer times vary depending on the chosen cooking device—stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot. Optional fresh apple, orange slices, and cranberries float in the drink, adding festive color and texture. The resultant wassail is aromatic and comforting, ideal for chilly days or holiday gatherings. It can be garnished thoughtfully with cinnamon sticks for stirring and sipping. Beyond serving immediately, leftover wassail stores well refrigerated for up to five days and freezes for up to three months. Alcoholic variations are possible by adding spirits either during heating or as an on-the-side option, accommodating varied tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice not from concentrate, if possible
- 1 cup pineapple juice not from concentrate, if possible
- ¼ cup lemon juice fresh squeezed is best
- 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark, brown sugar zero calorie replacement may also be used.
- 4 ticks cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg fresh ground is best
- 1/2 tablespoon clove or ½ teaspoon ground cloves, whole
- 1/2 tablespoon allspice or ½ teaspoon ground allspice, whole
- 2 star anise optional
Optional
- 1 medium apple sliced lengthwise (I like honeycrisp or other sweet-tart apple)
- 1 medium navel orange sliced into rounds
- cranberries small handful to float, fresh
Garnish Options
- cinnamon stick use for stirring and even sipping
- apple slice to float on top of glass or on side
- orange slice to float on top
- star anise to float on top
Instructions
- Combine cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and brown sugar in a large pot, Instant Pot or 6 quart crockpot. Stir to mix well.
- Place nutmeg, cloves, allspice, star anise and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth and tie up for easy clean-up. May just be tossed in the pot or slow cooker as well. If adding, place sliced apples, oranges to the pot as well.
Stovetop Wassail
- Cover and bring to simmer over medium-low heat, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, ladle into mugs, serve with cinnamon stick and garnished with a slice of fresh apple and orange if desired.
Crockpot Slow Cooker Wassail
- Add all ingredients as described above into crockpot, stir well, cover and heat on LOW 6-8 hours or on HIGH 3-4 hours.
Instant Pot Wassail (non-alcoholic)
- Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot, seal vent and cook on manual mode for 10 minutes, allowing to naturally release for 10 minutes, then release the steam (carefully) and serve, piping hot for your holiday party! Keep instant pot on warm after cooking to keep the drink hot, or transfer to a slow cooker on warm setting or in a pretty Dutch oven.
Notes
- Store leftover wassail tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months; allow thawing overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or a slow cooker to desired temperature.
- Combine all ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days before warming.
- Add brandy, rum, whiskey, or bourbon directly to the hot wassail or serve alongside for guests who prefer alcohol.
- Modify flavors by substituting or adding different fruit juices like cranberry, pomegranate, or apricot nectar.
- Whole cloves can be studded into an apple or orange to enhance the aroma during simmering.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10-14 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 148 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6ounces | |
| Calories | 148kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 363mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 124IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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