Wassail: A Delicious Recipe for Hot Mulled Cider

Wassail may be a traditional holiday drink, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it all autumn long! This warmly spiced hot mulled cider comes together in minutes and can be heated on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Three mugs of hot wassail garnished with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks with a dutch oven full of wassail in the background

There’s nothing better during the fall and winter months than cozying up on the couch with a soft blanket, TV remote, and a warm drink. Add a flickering fire, and you’ve got the perfect evening at home!

Close up of glass mug of wassail with sliced apples and a cinnamon stick in it

What is Wassail?

As I began to create our family’s holiday traditions, I reflected on those from my childhood. My great aunt Dorothy had a wonderful tradition of making old English Wassail every Christmas. I cherish her recipe and have woven it into our own fall and winter traditions.

Orange studded with cloves on a countertop

If you’ve never had Wassail before, it’s a hot mulled cider steeped in tradition since the Middle Ages in England. With warm spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, it’s the ultimate non-alcoholic way to warm up on a chilly day. Of course, you can add a splash of alcohol if you choose!

While Wassail is often associated with Christmas, I enjoy sipping it throughout autumn, making the most of the local apple cider harvest.

Orange, apple, and whole spices next to a red dutch oven

How to Make Wassail

One of my favorite things about this drink is how quickly it comes together. The apples in the cider harmonize beautifully with the additional ingredients, which include:

  • Oranges
  • Whole cloves
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Whole nutmeg
  • Allspice berries
  • Dried ginger pieces
Ingredients for hot wassail in a red dutch oven, ready to be mulled

Whole spices are my preference, as they last longer in your pantry compared to ground spices. You can find them at most grocery stores or order online. They are excellent for making items like homemade chai concentrate.

To prepare Wassail, start by making a pomander orange: take a fresh orange, pierce it with whole cloves, and bake it at a low temperature for one hour.

Mulled wassail in a red dutch oven with a ladle in it

The pomander orange is the most intensive part of the recipe, but the rest is a breeze! Just add apple cider, the baked pomander orange, sliced orange, sliced apple, and spices into a large pot. Let it simmer for at least two hours.

When serving, strain out the spices but keep the pomander orange for garnish. You can also embellish your glasses with cinnamon sticks or candied orange slices!

Three mugs of wassail garnished with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks, surrounded by more whole apples

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

If you prefer to avoid constantly checking a pot on the stove, you can easily prepare this recipe in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and set it on low for four hours. You can even use the warm setting for serving, keeping it cozy all evening!

Hand pouring simple syrup from a glass bottle into a mug of hot wassail

Can Wassail Be Reheated?

Here’s a tip: I often make my Wassail the day before serving. If I’m hosting for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I’ll prepare the cider ahead of time. I strain it and store it in the original apple cider jug with the pomander orange.

Mug of wassail with apples, cinnamon sticks, and two more mugs of wassail in the background

The next day, I simply reheat it in the slow cooker with the pomander orange while I get everything else ready. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a movie night at home, a hot mug of mulled cider makes everything cozier!

Overhead view of three mugs of wassail surrounded by apples and cinnamon sticks
Ingredient Quantity
Apple cider 1 gallon
Cinnamon sticks 3
Whole cloves 1 tablespoon
Whole nutmeg 1
Allspice berries 1 tablespoon
Dried ginger pieces 1 tablespoon
Oranges 2 (sliced)
Apples 2 (sliced)
Simple syrup (optional) to taste

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