Traditional Wassail (Hot Mulled Cider)

Whenever families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays, it’s the perfect time for a cup of wassail! This traditional holiday recipe is simmered without alcohol, but a touch of brandy or bourbon is perfect to top off each serving. Apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, and spices come together for a tasty beverage that warms you from the inside. Enjoy a cup with those you care about, and be sure to wish them good health with a cheerful, “Waes hael!”

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What is Wassail?

Wassail is a traditional hot holiday drink, typically made from apple cider and an assortment of spices. Some versions use wine or ale in place of the apple cider. In our version, alcohol is added (or not added) to each serving, allowing everyone to enjoy it.

Wassail’s origins begin in pre-Christian Britain as part of the New Year’s celebrations. A huge bowl, called a Wassail Bowl, was used to mix and serve punch made from ale, mead, cider, crabapples, and spices. The Lord of the Manor would offer a toast to the feasters with a hearty, “Waes hael,” which translates to good health.

The tradition of wassailing, or blessing loved ones with tidings of good health, continued over time. However, it slowly became part of a beloved Christmas caroling tradition. Nowadays, we can enjoy delicious wassail without singing from door to door in the wassailing tradition. And though you may not be filling a Wassail Bowl, this wassail recipe serves a large crowd, so it’s perfect for holiday parties!

Can I Make Wassail in my Slow Cooker?

Yes!

Just pour the first eight ingredients into the slow cooker or crock pot. Heat on low for 4 – 5 hours or on high for 2 – 3 hours. Use the warm setting once the cook time has elapsed to keep it nice and hot until the end of your celebration.

Or, you can use your slow cooker to heat the wassail after warming it on the stovetop. Be sure to use the warm setting on your slow cooker if you choose this method.

How Long Will Wassail Last?

You can make wassail ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. It lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in a closed container to preserve the flavors.

You can also freeze wassail. I like to freeze it in gallon sized Ziploc bags. Pour the cooled wassail into a Ziploc, press as much air out of it as you can, then lay the sealed bag on a cookie sheet. Freeze until solid, then remove the cookie sheet. Using this method, you can stack bags of wassail to save room in the freezer. Once frozen, the wassail will keep for up to 3 months.

Looking for More Holiday Recipes?

• Use Roasted Cinnamon Pecans on your charcuterie board
• Serve Old Fashioned Ham with Pineapple as the main dish on your holiday table
• Enjoy a glass of Blitzen’s Boozy Eggnog as you gather around the fire

Traditional Wassail (Hot Mulled Cider)

Recipe by Chicken Soup with DumplingsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This traditional holiday recipe is simmered without alcohol, but a touch of brandy or bourbon is perfect to top off each serving.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1 sliced lemon

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 1 tablespoon ground allspice

• 6 whole nutmeg nuts

• 12 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for serving (optional)

• Brandy or bourbon (optional)

• Orange wedges for serving (optional)

• Ground nutmeg for serving (optional)

Directions

• Pour apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon slices, whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg nuts, and cinnamon sticks into large pot.
• Simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes. Wassail can be kept warm over low heat on the stove or in a crock pot.
• Serve in a mug, garnished with cinnamon stick, orange wedges, and a dash of ground nutmeg.
• For an adult version, add a shot (2 tablespoons) of brandy or bourbon to each serving.

Notes

• To make in a crock pot, pour the first 8 ingredients into the slow cooker. Heat on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.

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