Description

This festive Christmas Wassail recipe is a warm, spiced holiday drink perfect for cozy gatherings. Combining apple cider, citrus juices, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, this traditional beverage fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Optionally, add rum or brandy for a spirited twist, and garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and fresh cranberries for a cheerful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Garnish

2-3 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
1-2 orange slices (for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Optional Alcoholic Version

1/2 cup rum or brandy (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine the Juices and Sugar: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, cranberry juice (if using), and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to ensure even sweetness.
Add the Spices: Add the ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
Heat the Wassail: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional Alcoholic Addition: If making the alcoholic version, stir in the rum or brandy during the last 10 minutes of simmering to blend the flavors without cooking off all the alcohol.
Serve Warm: Once the wassail is heated through and aromatic, ladle the hot drink into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, an orange slice, and fresh cranberries if desired for a festive touch.
Enjoy: Serve the wassail warm to fully enjoy the comforting and festive flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Notes

Adjust brown sugar to taste depending on sweetness preference and the tartness of the juices.
You can omit cranberry juice and fresh cranberries if unavailable; the drink will still be flavorful.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum or brandy and garnish as desired.
Simmer gently to avoid boiling off delicate flavors and alcohol if added.
Use a large enough pot to avoid spills while simmering.