Easy Wassail Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch

A Pot Full of Memories

My kitchen smells like Christmas morning. It is the smell of simmering wassail. I learned this recipe from my own grandma.

She would make a big pot for the whole street. Everyone would come over to get warm. I still laugh at that. We kids would always try to eat the soft, spicy apples from the bottom of the pot.

Why We Make Wassail

This drink is not just about taste. It is about taking a moment to slow down. The smell fills your whole house with comfort.

Making it with someone you love is the best part. You are not just making a drink. You are making a happy memory. That matters more than any perfect recipe.

Let’s Get Mixing

First, poke the cloves into your apples. It looks funny, like a spiky hedgehog. Then put everything into a big pot.

Let it simmer on the stove. The wait is the hardest part. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The spices and fruit become one happy flavor.

Fun fact: The word “wassail” comes from an old Viking toast. It meant “be in good health!” What is your favorite cozy drink to share with family?

A Trick for a Busy Day

If you are busy, use your slow cooker. Just put everything inside. Let it cook on low for a few hours.

This way, the wassail is ready when you are. It is a simple trick that saves time. Do you prefer using a slow cooker or the stove for recipes like this?

A Sip of Kindness

Sharing a warm mug is a small act of kindness. It says, “I care about you.” This matters in a busy world.

My grandma taught me that food is love. A simple drink can make someone’s day better. Who would you love to share a warm mug with today?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Apples	2	Poke with whole cloves
Apple cider	8 cups
Orange juice	2 cups
Lemon juice	1/3 cup
Cinnamon sticks	4
Whole cloves	15 whole cloves	or 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Ground ginger	1/4 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Light brown sugar	1 Tablespoon	optional

My Cozy Wassail for a Chilly Day

Hello, my dear. Come sit with me for a moment. The wind is howling outside my window. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She always had a pot of wassail simmering on the stove. The whole house would smell like sweet apples and warm spices. I still smile thinking about it.

This is my simple recipe for that happy feeling. It is so easy to make. You just toss everything into one big pot. Let’s make some memories together, shall we?

• Step 1: First, take your two apples. Poke the whole cloves right into their skin. I like to cover them all over. It makes them look like little spice hedgehogs. My grandson told me that once. I still laugh at that.
• Step 2: Now, put everything into your biggest pot. That means the apples and all the juices. Don’t forget the cinnamon sticks and spices. (A hard-learned tip: use the whole cloves if you can. Ground cloves can make the drink a bit cloudy.)
• Step 3: Turn the heat to medium-low. Let it slowly get warm. You want to see little bubbles, not a big boil. Let it simmer for at least half an hour. The smell will fill your whole home. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It means it’s working.
• Step 4: Time to serve! Carefully take out the apples and cloves. Then just ladle the hot wassail into mugs. I love using my old ceramic ones. What’s your favorite mug for a cozy drink? Share below!

Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Drink, Holiday

Three Fun Twists on Our Wassail

Once you know the basics, you can play with it. I love trying new things in the kitchen. It keeps things exciting. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried over the years.

• Berry Merry: Add a handful of frozen cranberries. They make it so pretty and a little tart.
• Vanilla Dream: Toss in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. It makes the drink taste like a warm hug.
• Ginger Zing: Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger. It gives it a lovely, spicy little kick.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Wassail Just Right

This drink is a whole experience. I think about how to make it special. For a party, I ladle it right from a slow cooker. It keeps it warm for hours. Everyone can help themselves.

For a single mug, add a thin apple slice on the rim. A little cinnamon stick makes a perfect stirrer. It feels so festive. For a treat, pair it with a soft sugar cookie. They are best for dipping.

If you want another drink with it, I have ideas. A cold glass of milk is a nice, simple pairing. For the grown-ups, a splash of spiced rum in the wassail is lovely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Wassail Warm and Wonderful

This recipe makes a big, happy pot of wassail. You might have some left over. That is a very good thing. Just let it cool down first. Then pour it into a jar with a tight lid. It will be happy in your fridge for a few days.

I remember my first big batch of wassail. I made it for my book club. I was so nervous it would not taste good later. But it reheated perfectly on the stove. The smell filled my kitchen all over again. Making it ahead saves you time on a busy day.

To reheat, just use your microwave or a small pot. Warm it up until it is steaming. This matters because a warm drink makes a house feel like a home. It is a cozy hug from the inside. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Wassail Worries

Sometimes the flavor is not quite right. If it is too tart, add that brown sugar. Start with just a little. Stir it in and taste it. I once forgot the sugar and my grandson made a funny face.

Your spices might be too weak or too strong. If you want more spice flavor, let it simmer longer. If it is too spicy, add more apple cider. Getting the flavor right builds your cooking confidence. You learn to trust your own taste.

Be careful with the whole cloves. You must remember to take them out. No one wants a surprise clove in their mug! Fishing them out at the end is much easier. This makes your drink smooth and enjoyable to sip. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Wassail Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! All the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: You sure can. Make it up to three days before you need it.

Q: What if I do not have orange juice? A: You can use more apple cider instead. It will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make a smaller amount? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It works perfectly.

Q: Is the brown sugar really optional? A: It is. Try it without first. You can always add it later if you like. Which tip will you try first?

A Cozy Send-Off from My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this wassail. It is one of my favorite traditions. The smell always reminds me of family and laughter. *Fun fact: Wassail comes from an old English word that means “to be healthy.”*

I would love to see your creation. It makes me so happy to see your kitchens filled with warmth. Please share your photos with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.