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There is something truly magical about cozying up with a warm, fragrant drink during the chilly months, and My Favorite Wassail Recipe delivers that comforting, festive spirit in every sip. This charming blend of bright citrus, spicy warming notes, and rich apple cider creates the perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a standout beverage for holiday gatherings, family evenings, or any time you want to feel wrapped in a warm culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make My Favorite Wassail Recipe is delightfully simple. The ingredients are approachable but essential, each contributing its own burst of flavor and holiday charm. From zesty citrus concentrates to a warming mixture of spices, every element helps create that iconic wassail character you’ll love.
- 6 cups water: The base that allows all other flavors to infuse and blend beautifully.
- 6 tablespoons white sugar: Adds a clean sweetness that balances the tanginess and spice.
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Brings depth and a slight molasses note to enrich the flavor.
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate: Bursts of citrus brighten the drink with natural acidity and aroma.
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate: Lends a gentle tartness to complement the sweetness perfectly.
- 4 cups apple cider: The heart of the recipe, providing a classic autumnal richness and sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves: Adds a warm, spicy kick that awakens the palate (adjust to taste).
- 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries: Infuses a subtle depth of spiced sweetness and mild peppery notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg (grated): Delivers a warm, nutty fragrance that enhances the cozy vibes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Introduces a floral, citrusy complexity that’s delightfully unexpected.
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks: Essential for that classic holiday flavor and delightful aroma.
- 1 (1-inch piece) candied ginger: Adds a gentle zing and slight chewiness for a sweet-spicy texture contrast.
- 1 large apple (sliced, skin on): Contributes fresh fruitiness and a lovely texture infusion.
- 1 large orange (cut into rounds, peel on): Enhances the citrus profile while adding pretty visual appeal.
- Fresh cranberries (to garnish): For a burst of bright color and tartness when serving.
- Star anise (to garnish): Offers a beautiful star-shaped accent with a subtle licorice note, perfect for presentation.
How to Make My Favorite Wassail Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugars
Begin by pouring 6 cups of water into a large 6-quart pot, then stir in 6 tablespoons of white sugar and 1/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar. Place the pot over high heat and allow the sugars to dissolve fully. You don’t need to wait for a boil before moving to the next step; just make sure the sugars blend smoothly into the water for that perfect sweet base.
Step 2: Add Citrus Concentrates
Next, open your cans of frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrate. Add about half of each container into the pot, reserving the other halves for your next batch. These concentrated juices infuse vibrant tang and sweetness that are essential to the bright character of My Favorite Wassail Recipe.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Apple Cider
Now it’s time for the soul of the wassail — pour in 4 cups of apple cider and toss in your spices: whole cloves, allspice berries, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cardamom, and four cinnamon sticks, plus the one-inch piece of candied ginger. This combo creates the warm, aromatic magic that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Step 4: Add Fresh Fruit
Slice one large apple, leaving the skin on to maintain texture and nutrients. Wash your orange thoroughly and cut it into rounds, keeping the peel intact to maximize citrus oils and flavor. Stir these fresh fruit pieces into the pot, ensuring they get coated with the fragrant mixture.
Step 5: Simmer and Infuse
Place the lid on the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling, quickly lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Prop the lid slightly off to vent steam and let the flavors meld for about one hour. If you prefer a spicier, more robust taste, let it simmer up to 2 or 3 hours, stirring occasionally to keep everything mixed well.
Step 6: Strain and Remove Solids
Once your wassail has reached the desired flavor and aroma, use a slotted spoon to fish out the apples, oranges, and whole spices. For a crystal-clear drink without floating bits, pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or colander. This step is perfect if you’re serving a crowd who prefers a smooth sip.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, ladle this warm, spiced beverage into mugs. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cranberries, slices of orange or apple, or a sprig of rosemary. I love to tuck a cooked apple or orange slice into each mug because they soak up the flavors and offer a sweet little treat alongside the drink. Your guests will thank you for this thoughtful detail!
How to Serve My Favorite Wassail Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh cranberries adds a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness. Star anise not only looks stunning but imparts a subtle licorice fragrance. Slices of cooked orange and apple provide a lovely textural treat and a burst of intensified flavor right in the cup.
Side Dishes
This wassail pairs wonderfully with cozy sides like spiced gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, or even savory appetizers like baked brie and cranberry crostini. The bright, spicy notes of My Favorite Wassail Recipe cut through richer bites, keeping your palate refreshed and ready for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wassail in clear glass mugs or festive holiday cups to showcase the beautiful fruit slices and garnishes. Floating a star anise or a cinnamon stick in each drink elevates the presentation and brings a bit of seasonal magic to your table. For parties, consider a self-serve wassail bar where guests can customize their mugs with their favorite garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover wassail, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The spices will continue infusing, deepening the flavor over time, so reheating can actually make the drink taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze the wassail in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To preserve the best texture, strain out all solid fruit and spices first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your wassail slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute the flavors evenly. Avoid boiling it again as that can dull the delicate citrus notes and intensify the spices too much. Adding fresh fruit or a cinnamon stick when reheating helps refresh the aroma and presentation.
FAQs
Can I make My Favorite Wassail Recipe without frozen juice concentrates?
You can use fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice instead, but keep in mind, frozen concentrates add a sweet, concentrated flavor that fresh juices alone can’t replicate exactly. Adjust sugar to taste if using fresh juice.
Is it okay to use ground spices instead of whole?
Whole spices provide a cleaner infusion and are easier to remove before serving, preventing the drink from becoming too intense or gritty. If you only have ground spices, use less and strain carefully to avoid sediment.
Can I double or halve this recipe easily?
Yes! The recipe scales wonderfully. If doubling, consider using the reserved halves of frozen concentrates you saved for an extra convenient batch. Just keep an eye on simmer times for larger volumes.
What if I want a stronger alcoholic version?
Wassail is traditionally non-alcoholic, but you can add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to individual servings just before serving for an adult twist. This keeps the batch kid-friendly while offering options for grown-up guests.
How spicy is this wassail recipe?
The warmth comes mostly from the cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. If you prefer a milder drink, reduce the cloves or simmer for a shorter time. For more spice, simmer longer or add extra cinnamon sticks or fresh ginger slices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a heartwarming beverage to brighten up your holiday season or simply want to feel wrapped in festive coziness anytime, you absolutely must try My Favorite Wassail Recipe. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of classic flavors, warm memories, and joyful gatherings. I promise it will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Print
My Favorite Wassail Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Wassail recipe is a warm, spiced fruit drink perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining apple cider, citrus concentrates, and a blend of aromatic spices, it simmers gently to create a deeply flavorful and festive beverage. Garnished with fresh fruits and herbs, this wassail is ideal for serving a crowd and can be easily doubled or stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Liquids and Sugars
- 6 cups water
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate (half of a 12-fluid-ounce container)
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate (half of a 12-fluid-ounce container)
- 4 cups apple cider
Spices and Flavorings
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (about 10 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries (about 10 berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg (grated or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (or up to 1/2 teaspoon)
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 (1-inch) piece candied ginger
Fruits
- 1 large apple, sliced with skin on
- 1 large orange, cut into rounds with peel on
Garnishes
- Fresh cranberries
- Star anise
Instructions
- Combine Water and Sugars: Add 6 cups of water to a 6-quart pot along with 6 tablespoons of white sugar and 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar. Place the pot over high heat and stir occasionally while the sugars dissolve. You can begin adding other ingredients once the sugar is mostly dissolved, even before it reaches a boil.
- Add Fruit Concentrates: Open the frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrate containers. Add half of each (6 ounces each) into the pot. Store the remaining halves together in a ziplock bag in the freezer for future use.
- Incorporate Spices and Cider: Add 4 cups of apple cider, 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves, 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries, 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg), 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 4 cinnamon sticks, and the 1-inch piece of candied ginger to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Slice the apple with the peel on and wash the orange thoroughly before cutting it into rounds with peel intact. Add these fruit slices into the pot and stir thoroughly to distribute.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.
- Simmer for Flavor Development: Let the wassail heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For a spicier and more infused flavor, you can simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Strain Out Solids: Use a slotted spoon to remove the apple, orange slices, and all whole spices. For a clearer drink, pour the wassail through a mesh strainer or colander to remove any remaining solids or spice particles.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot wassail in mugs. Garnish with fresh cranberries, star anise, fresh rosemary, or fresh slices of cooked apple or orange, which are especially tasty when warmed in the drink.
- Storage and Leftover Tips: Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy. Leftover concentrates should be stored tightly sealed in the freezer for future batches.
Notes
- You can easily double this recipe using the other halves of frozen concentrates you save from this batch.
- Adjust the amount of cloves if you prefer less spiciness; halving to 5 cloves works well.
- Garnishes such as fresh rosemary or star anise enhance the presentation and aroma.
- Use a pot large enough to allow for simmering without boiling over, ideally a 6-quart or larger pot.
- This wassail keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be gently reheated.
