Wassail Recipe

This wassail recipe has been a crowd favorite for decades, coming from Ireland! It delivers the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors, with cozy aromas, festive fruit garnishes, and optional variations. Step-by-step instructions, serving tips, and storage ideas make it easy to bring to any gathering and create a new family holiday tradition!

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a ladle full of wassail with cranberries

What is Wassail?

Wassail is a warm, spiced holiday punch whose name comes from an old English toast meaning “be well.” It tastes like pure Christmas cheer in a mug (though we love it for Halloween and Thanksgiving, too!) that instantly brings comfort, nostalgia, and sparkle to any winter gathering. Traditionally made by simmering apple cider with cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice—plus a splash of orange and lemon juice—it’s sweet and tangy, comforting, fragrant, and always a hit!

Wassailing

Wassailing along refers to the joyful act of going door-to-door singing carols and spreading holiday cheer—a tradition that dates back centuries in England. People would visit neighbors during Christmastime, singing festive songs and offering a toast of wassail, symbolizing good health and prosperity. In return, they’d often be given treats or a refill of their cup!

Why you’ll love this Wassail Recipe

I fell in love with this wassail recipe after tasting it at a Cooking Club gathering and immediately asked for the recipe. My friend’s family has made it every Thanksgiving and Christmas since 2001. She got the recipe from a friend who grew up in Ireland. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Here are a few reasons to love it:

Easy and stress-free: It can be made ahead for parties or family gatherings=winning!
Family-friendly: A flavorful, non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy.
Perfectly sweet and tart: The trio of sweet apple cider, orange juice, and bright, tangy lemon juice creates layered flavors that are perfectly balanced and easily customizable with more or less sugar.
Layers of aromatics: Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and fresh ginger infuse the wassail drink with rich, warm scents that fill your home and deepen the flavor with every sip.
Stunning: Floating apple and orange slices, along with bright cranberries, create a festive, eye-catching presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Festive and aromatic: It fills your home with irresistible holiday scents of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

wassail recipe being served in glasses with a stick of cinnamon

Wassail Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Apple cider: The cozy, comforting base that gives wassail its signature holiday flavor. Choose a high-quality, fresh cider for the best depth and richness in the wassail.
Orange juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness; use 4 cups of fresh or ⅔ of a 12-ounce frozen concentrate (thawed) plus 3 cups water. This latter is typically what I do for ease.
Frozen lemonade concentrate: Provides tangy brightness that balances the sweetness and enhances the fruity depth.
Water: Balances the concentrated juices for the perfect flavor and consistency.
Sugar: Sweetens the wassail and highlights the warm spice flavors. You can start with less and add more to taste if you’d like.
Whole spices: Cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, allspice berries, and whole cloves simmer together to infuse the wassail with rich, warm, festive flavor and an irresistible aroma.
Ground spices: ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. I also like to add ground cinnamon and ground ginger after simmering for added flavor complexity.
Garnish: One sliced apple and orange with some fresh cranberries float on top for a stunning presentation.

top view of wassail ingredients: apple cider, orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, water, sugar, cinnamon, allspice berries, ginger, cloves

How to MAke Wassail

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Combine Ingredients. Combine the orange juice (or concentrate + water), lemonade concentrate, sugar, cider, water, and nutmeg in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

showing how to make wassail by adding the apple cider, orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, sugar, water to a large pot

Step 2: Add Spices. While heating, wrap cinnamon sticks, ginger, allspice berries, and cloves in a tea cloth or tea ball and seal. Add to the pot.

showing how to make wassail by wrapping the whole spices in a cheesecloth

Step 3: Simmer, Then Stand. When boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 45 minutes.

showing how to make wassail by simmering for 35 minutes with the spices

Step 4: Make it Pretty! Garnish with optional apple, orange, and cranberries. Serve warm or hot, ladled into mugs. Enjoy!

showing how to make wassail by garnishing with orange slices, apple slices, and cranberries

Wassail drink recipe TIPS

Sweeten carefully: The amount of sugar will depend on personal preference and the brands of orange, lemon, and apple cider. Start with ¾ cup sugar, then add more, a tablespoon at a time, and taste as you go to achieve the perfect level of sweetness. Some like up to 1 ½ cups of sugar, but I find that overpowers the tanginess.
Infuse whole spices: If you don’t have a cheesecloth or tea ball, you can simmer the whole spices directly in the wassail, then carefully remove before serving.
Boost aroma: Don’t be afraid to make it your own! I like to add ground cinnamon and ginger at the end for extra warmth and fragrance, but you can omit or add any other spice like ground cardamom or nutmeg.
Crockpot serving option: After simmering, set the crockpot to “Warm” or “Low,” cover with the lid, stir occasionally, and add the fruit garnishes like apple slices, orange slices, or cranberries just before serving.
Make ahead: Prepare the wassail base up to 1–2 days in advance (without garnishes), store in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in a crockpot, adding fresh fruit and optional spices just before serving for maximum flavor and presentation.

a pot of wassail drink garnished with orange and apple slices

Wassail Recipe variations

Sparkling Wassail: Top with club soda, sparkling cider, or ginger ale for a fizzy twist.
Add Pineapple Juice: Substitute part of the orange juice with pineapple juice and reduce the sugar to add a tropical twist.
Add Cranberry Juice: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of cranberry sauce after simmering to add tartness, color, and depth.
Spice-Intense Wassail: Boost cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.
Spiked Wassail: Add rum, brandy, or bourbon.
Slow-Cooker Party Wassail: Make the entire batch in a crockpot and serve warm throughout the event.

How to serve Wassail

Here’s how to serve Wassail so it looks—and tastes—its best:

Keep it warm: Serve directly from a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or heatproof punch bowl set to “warm” to keep the flavors cozy throughout your gathering.
Garnish beautifully: Float orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cranberries on top for a festive presentation and extra aroma.
Use mugs or heatproof glasses: Wassail is best sipped warm, so choose sturdy mugs, glass Irish coffee cups, or handled heatproof cups.
Serve with snacks: Pair with sugar cookies, gingerbread brownies, roasted nuts, charcuterie boards, or antipasto for the ultimate holiday spread.

HOW TO STORE Wassail Drink

•Cool first: Let the wassail cool to room temperature before storing.
•Refrigerate: Remove any whole spices or fruit slices before storing—then add fresh ones when reheating to refresh the aroma and appearance. Pour into an airtight pitcher, jar, or container and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days.
•Freeze (optional): You can freeze wassail for up to 3 months—just leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. (Freeze without the garnish of apples, oranges, etc.)

How to reheat

•Stovetop: Pour into a pot and warm over medium-low heat until steaming (do not boil).
•Slow cooker: Reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours—perfect for parties or when serving a crowd.
•Microwave (individual servings): Heat in a mug for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Wassail FAQs

What is Wassail made of?

Wassail is a traditional holiday punch made by simmering apple cider with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Many recipes also include orange and lemon juice for brightness.

What does Wassail taste like?

Wassail tastes like spiced apple cider meets Christmas in a cup—sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced with hints of citrus and cinnamon. It’s comforting, fragrant, and perfect for cozy fall and winter gatherings.

Is Wassail alcoholic?

Traditional Wassail can be made with or without alcohol. Many versions are completely non-alcoholic and family-friendly, while others include a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon. You can easily make it either way!

Can you make Wassail ahead of time?

Yes! Wassail tastes even better when the flavors have time to meld. Make it up to 2–3 days ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.

Why is it called Wassail?

The name “Wassail” comes from the Old English toast “waes hael,” meaning “be well” or “good health.” In medieval England, people would go “wassailing” door to door, singing carols and sharing this warm spiced drink to spread cheer and good wishes.

When do you drink Wassail?

Wassail is most often enjoyed during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, but it’s also perfect for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings. Its cozy, spiced flavor makes it a favorite all winter long.

Looking for more Holiday Recipes?

Hot Chocolate
Red Velvet Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Cranberry Cake
Apple Pie
S’mores Dip

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Ingredients

4 cups orange juice or 2/3 of a 12-ounce can frozen concentrate, thawed, plus 3 cups of water
1 12-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
3/4-1 cup sugar (start with ¾ c)
2 quarts apple cider
4 cups water
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large cinnamon sticks
1 inch piece ginger
10 allspice berries
10 whole cloves

ADD LAST

1/4-1/2 tsp EACH ground cinnamon, ground ginger (optional, to taste)
1 apple, sliced (optional for garnish)
1 orange, sliced (optional for garnish)
3/4 cup cranberries (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Combine: Combine orange juice (or concentrate + water), lemonade concentrate, sugar, cider, water, and nutmeg in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionall (this will take some time).
Wrap Spices: While heating, wrap cinnamon sticks, ginger, allspice berries, and cloves in a tea cloth or tea ball, then seal. Add to the pot.
Simmer, Then Stand: When boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove from the heat, cover, and let stand 45 minutes.
Season to Taste: When ready to serve, remove the teacloth of spices. Season to taste with additional spices (I like ½ teaspoon each ground cinnamon and ground ginger). Adjust the sweetness by adding extra sugar (stir so it dissolves) for sweeter, or orange juice/concentrate, a little at a time, for a tangier.
Make it Pretty! Garnish with optional apple, orange, and cranberries. Serve warm or hot, ladled into mugs. Enjoy!

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the wassail base up to 1–2 days in advance (without garnishes), store in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in a crockpot, adding fresh fruit and optional spices just before serving for maximum flavor and presentation.