Christmas Wassail

Make a batch of Christmas Wassail to serve at your next holiday party! Wassail punch can be prepared in advance and kept warm in a Crockpot all night long.

Hot Wassail Punch Recipe

There’s nothing better than snuggling under a blanket with a book and a hot cup of something delicious to drink with the glitter of Christmas ornaments and lights all around.

That is what I’m hoping to do during Madeline’s nap time today. It’s fun to fall into the world of fictional characters once in a while and just let your own life’s imperfections disappear for a bit.

I just finished Shutter Island which was, in a word, thrilling. Now I’m on to The Christmas Box for book club.

What Is Wassail?

In essence, wassail is a spiced punch that’s most commonly served around Christmastime. It’s served warm and is usually non-alcoholic (the recipe I’m sharing today is non-alcoholic!).

The term “wassail,” is a contraction of a Middle English phrase that means “be healthy.” You may be familiar with wassail through Christmas songs like “Here We Come A-Wassailing” — wassailing is closely associated with the history of wassail!

Christmas Wassail Ingredients

To make this non-alcoholic winter wassail drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Apple juice
• Orange juice
• Cranberry juice
• Vanilla extract
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon sticks
• Ground nutmeg
• Whole cloves

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Wassail

Making hot wassail punch is as simple as adding everything to a pot and warming it up!

1. Combine the wassail ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Turn the heat to low to keep warm or put in a crock-pot on warm to keep all day so it’s ready whenever you are.
4. If desired garnish with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, dried orange slices, or star anise.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Can I Add Wine to Wassail?

If you’d like to make an alcoholic wassail, I recommend following my mulled wine recipe instead. I’ve tested that recipe many times and know that it works.

I have always sipped wassail as a non-alcoholic beverage, so I can’t speak to how much wine (if any) should be added to this particular recipe.

But, I actually think Bourbon would be better added to this Christmas Cider than wine would be. I would recommend 1 ounce per 8 ounces of cider for a warm cocktail.

Can Wassail Be Prepared in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the wassail punch on the stovetop, then transfer it to a Crockpot to keep warm all night long. Be sure to keep the lid on so the punch doesn’t evaporate.

Tips for Making Christmas Wassail

• Make sure to use 100% fruit juices. If the apple, orange, or cranberry juice contain sugar, you’ll want to add less brown sugar than the recipe calls for.
• Likewise, be sure to buy good quality fruit juices (i.e. not from concentrates) since they’re the star of the recipe.
• You’re welcome to add more or less sugar to suit your own tastes.

More Christmas Drink Recipes:

Fresh pressed apple cider, tart pomegranate juice, and Tempranillo pair with mulling spices and fresh fruit to create a fall-inspired cocktail. This Mulled Wine recipe is perfect for sipping during this autumn and winter season.

Peppermint Mocha Spiked Hot Chocolate takes traditional hot chocolate to the next level with the addition of the flavors of mocha, peppermint, and some optional Irish cream.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa is made with a blend of chocolate, cocoa powder, peppermint tea, and crushed candy canes. This would make a wonderful Christmas hot cocoa!

In this Hot Spiced Apple Cider, fresh pressed apple cider and tart pomegranate juice are paired with mulling spices and fresh fruit to create a cozy beverage perfect for sipping during this autumn and winter season.

Nothing beats a steaming mug of Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate on Christmas Eve! This is a simple recipe that my family goes crazy for.

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