Easy Traditional Wassail Hot Apple Cider Drink Recipe

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In our family, one of my kids’ favorite holiday traditions is making this Easy Traditional Wassail Hot Apple Cider Drink Recipe. As soon as the weather starts to cool and the scent of cinnamon and apple desserts fills the air, someone starts asking for wassail.

Whether we’re heading to a family Thanksgiving dinner, having our annual gingerbread house party, or prepping for Christmas, my kids always ask for this sweet, warm drink every year.

On the one hand, it can be a bit sweet—so if that’s you, add more water. We love adding cranberries to ours, but if that isn’t your thing, skip it! In fact, every part of this recipe can be easily modified to fit the ingredients you have on hand and your personal preferences.

What Is Wassail?

The word “wassail” comes from the Old English waes hael, meaning be in good health. In medieval times, people would go door to door singing the wassail song, carrying a wassail bowl filled with a hot, spiced cider drink to share and celebrate a good apple harvest. It was a drink of cheer and a wish for prosperity for the following year.

Today, this homemade wassail remains a family favorite and a perfect drink for the holiday season—especially when shared with friends during Christmas carols, holiday gatherings, or while driving around to see Christmas lights.

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Ingredients for This Hot Wassail Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this warm holiday drink:

• 8 cups apple cider (or hot apple cider)
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup cranberry juice (optional)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (optional)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (optional)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise (optional but adds a beautiful aroma)
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon or other warm spices
• 1 sliced apple (or apple slices)
• 1 sliced orange (or orange slices)
• Optional: ½ cup whole cranberries, a splash of brandy, or dark rum for adults

You can make this in a slow cooker, crock pot, large pot, or large saucepan—whatever works best for your holiday party or next gathering!
It is often VERY hot when served, so make sure little kids let it cool…or have it served at a lower temperature.

How To Make This Cozy Drink

1. Combine the fruit juices:
   Pour your apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice into a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Add the spices:
   Add your whole spices—cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. You can tie the spices in a piece of cheese cloth for easy removal later.
3. Toss in the fruit:
   Add apple slices, orange slices, and whole cranberries for a festive touch and fresh fruit flavor.
4. Heat gently:
   Warm on medium-low heat or the warm setting if using a slow cooker. Let it slow simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until your house smells like the holidays.
5. Serve:
   Ladle the hot drink into a big mug, garnish with fruit or a cinnamon stick, and enjoy your comforting drink during a cold winter month or winter evening.

Favorite Ways To Enjoy Your Winter Wassail

• Serve it from a punch bowl at your holiday gatherings.
• Keep it warm in an instant pot or crock pot during your Christmas Eve or Christmas morning breakfast.
• Enjoy it outside after a carriage ride or while admiring Christmas lights.
• Make it part of your New Year celebration to wish your whole family good health and a good harvest in the year ahead.

It’s a perfect way to serve tasty holiday drinks without hard liquor, making it a non-alcoholic wassail the whole family can enjoy.

How To Store Your Wassail

If you have leftovers, store your hot mulled cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove top or in a slow cooker. The flavors deepen over time, so it often tastes even better the next time!

A Great Addition to Any Holiday Gathering

Whether this is your first time making wassail or a favorite drink you’ve enjoyed for years, this traditional wassail recipe is a great way to celebrate the winter season. With whole spices, citrus juices, and a history rooted in ancient tradition, it’s a warm apple cider that will fill your home with joy and your whole family with cheer.

Raise your mug, sing a wassail song, and toast to good health—waes hael!

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