Nothing says the holidays like this Easy Holiday Wassail! It’s a warm, spiced apple cider punch that’s sweet, tangy and perfectly spiced. Plus it makes the entire house smell just wonderful!

Nothing says the holidays like this warm, spiced apple cider punch! It’s sweet, tangy and perfectly spiced, plus it makes the entire house smell just wonderful! #wassail #easyrecipes #delicious #christmasdrinks #holidaydrinks

Homemade Easy Holiday Wassail is one of those traditions that once you start, you will have to repeat every year, it’s that good! While I’m definitely a huge fan of hot chocolate during the holidays, there’s something special about Wassail that makes it the perfect holiday drink. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy citrus flavors, with just the right amount of spice that warms you down to the tips of your toes.

My favorite part of making this Easy Holiday Wassail is the way it fills up your house with the most delicious smell! There is nothing like walking into your house on a chilly winter day, and being enveloped with the scent of this rich, spicy and fruity apple cider. It warms you from the inside out, and makes the whole house smell like Christmas.

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving in the fall, or Christmas in the winter, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a cold, chilly day and brighten the holiday spirit. We love to drink this while apple picking in the fall, putting up the Christmas tree in the winter, walking around looking at Christmas lights, bundled up reading Christmas stories around the fire, and as we open presents around the tree Christmas morning.

What is Wassail Anyway?

Wassail punch is a medieval drink originating from England. It was part of a Twelfth Night ceremony or ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year. Traditionally, Wassail is made of spiced ale or mulled wine, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar. Today, many versions here in the U.S. have been simplified, and even made alcohol free (as this one is) in order to be family friendly.

Tips for the Perfect Easy Holiday Wassail

If you want the best flavor from your wassail, make sure to use real apple cider. I’m talking about the kind you generally find in the produce section that’s brown, a little murky, and has real apple flecks in the bottom of it – NOT the clear liquid apple juice you find on the juice isle of the grocery store. Also, use real fruit juice (not from concentrate) for the orange, pineapple and lemon juice.

Can I Make it in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely yes! Just simply add the ingredients to a medium/large slow cooker (6 or 7 quart), cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. If making for a holiday party, just set the cooker to warm once it’s cooked. This will make your house smell wonderful as well as keep it warm for serving throughout your party!

Can I Reheat It?

My children love this drink warm or chilled in the fridge. If you don’t finish the entire batch (we hardly ever do) then just throw it in a pitcher in the fridge and pull it out to reheat when you want to serve it again! It can be warmed up in the microwave, stovetop or slow cooker! Also, it keeps wonderfully for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

Garnishing For Parties

If you are hosting a party and want your wassail to be both pretty and delicious, just add some whole or sliced fruit in at the end of cooking. I prefer not to add it while cooking (or at least the oranges – because it can add a bitter flavor from the white pith).

Garnishing Ideas:

Cinnamon Sticks
Cloves
Fresh cranberries
Whole or sliced apples
Sliced oranges

This wassail recipe is warm, cozy and serves a crowd so it’s perfect for holiday parties! So gather your friend sand loved ones near and toast the season!

Cheers!