Wassail Spiced Apple Cider Holiday Punch

Recipe Introduction: Warm Up Your Holidays!

Ever find yourself wishing for a drink that tastes like Christmas morning? This Wassail recipe is it. Think fragrant spices and warm apple cider - pure comfort in a mug.

It's one of the best holiday drinks I know.

What is Wassail Anyway?

Wassail is basically the OG of festive cocktails . It hails from merry old England. Back then, it was all about good cheer and wishing your neighbour a good harvest.

We're talking easy peasy level cooking, about 20 minutes prep and an hour bubbling away. The result? Enough warm cheer for 8 of your closest mates.

Why You'll Love This Spiced Wassail Punch

Honestly, nothing beats the smell of this simmering on the stove. It screams holiday cocktail menu inspiration , doesn't it? Forget those complicated recipes, this is all about warmth and simplicity.

Plus, all those spices are packed with antioxidants.

It’s perfect for that Boxing Day chillout or even a New Year's Day brunch. This recipe is extra special, because it's so adaptable.

Want a Christmas mocktail for the kids? No worries, skip the booze!

Get Your Spices Ready

Ready to dive in? Let's check the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Your Wassail On!

Ready to whip up some proper Wassail, a cracking holiday drinks recipe that'll warm you from the inside out? Here’s what you'll need.

I swear, this Spiced Wassail Punch recipe is easier than putting up the Christmas tree!

Main Ingredients for the Best Holiday Drink Recipes Easy

• Apple Cider: 8 cups (1.9 L) . Go for unfiltered if you can find it. It'll give the Wassail a richer, more authentic flavour.
• Orange: 1 large , sliced. A good orange should be firm and fragrant. Avoid anything with soft spots.
• Lemon: 1 , sliced. Again, firm and fragrant is key.
• Cinnamon Sticks: 4 (3 inch/8 cm) . Fresh cinnamon sticks have a stronger aroma. Honestly, you can tell the difference!
• Whole Cloves: 1 tablespoon . Make sure they smell potent.
• Whole Allspice Berries: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (50 ml) , adjust to taste. I prefer maple syrup, it adds a lovely depth.
• Optional Booze: 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy, rum, or bourbon per serving. Totally optional, but festive, innit?

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Magic for your Winter Mocktails

Spices are the heart and soul of this drink. The classic combo of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg is Christmas in a cup.

If you're missing allspice, a pinch extra of clove and nutmeg works in a pinch. For a bolder flavour, add a star anise.

Vanilla extract gives a sweet, extra dimension that pairs greatly with Christmas Mocktail .

Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple, Buttercup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For simmering all that goodness.
• Ladle: For serving up the finished product.
• Citrus Juicer (Optional): For extra juicy oranges and lemons.
• Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Sieve (Optional): For straining, if you prefer a smoother holiday cocktails .

That's it! Nothing too fancy. If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will do. And if you're missing a ladle, a big spoon works just as well.

Now get in the kitchen and let's make some warm winter beverages. This recipe is fantastic if you are looking for Holiday Cocktail Menu Inspiration .

Wassail: The Ultimate Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Oh my gosh, you guys! Let’s talk about the quintessential holiday drink . Forget those fancy, complicated recipes for a sec.

We're going back to basics with Wassail , a warm and cozy spiced apple cider punch that just screams Christmas.

Honestly, this recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up and that's saying something! Its perfect for enjoying some Christmas Mocktails Non Alcoholic.

Prep Steps: Get Your Stuff Together, Love!

First things first: mise en place, darling. That basically means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Slice your orange and lemon.

Dig out those spices. Measure your honey. You know, the usual. This saves you time later! Also, adult supervision is key if there are little helpers running around the kitchen and hot liquids involved.

step-by-step: Let’s Get Mulling!

Right, here’s where the magic happens.

1. Chuck 8 cups of apple cider, sliced orange , sliced lemon , 4 cinnamon sticks , 1 tablespoon whole cloves , 1 teaspoon allspice berries , 1 teaspoon ground ginger , and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg into a large pot.
2. Gently bring it to a simmer over medium low heat.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup). Taste and adjust as needed. I sometimes add a bit more, depending on how sweet I'm feeling.
4. Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour . The longer, the better – 2 hours is even better! This is where the flavours really meld.
5. Optional : Strain the wassail through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. This gives you a smoother warm winter beverages .
6. Ladle into mugs and add a splash of brandy, rum, or bourbon if you fancy a festive cocktail . A little goes a long way.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen!

Here's a holiday cocktail menu inspiration for ya! Want to kick it up a notch? Throw in a star anise, it adds a subtle licorice note.

Be careful not to boil it, you'll end up with a bitter, sad punch. I've done it and it's really sad.

You can make the wassail a day ahead and simply reheat it. It actually tastes even better after sitting overnight.

It's perfect for your next Holiday Cocktail Menu Inspiration.

Enjoy your own batch of spiced wassail punch, and enjoy the holiday season with friends and family! Remember to drink responsibly and have a very merry Christmas or any other festive day during winter.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Wassail Sing

Right then, you've got the recipe for this amazing Wassail: The Ultimate Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Punch . But, like, there's always a bit more to it, innit? Here are a few extra notes to make sure yours is absolutely cracking.

I've made a few mistakes along the way and I'd love you to learn from me!

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Mate!

Honestly, presentation makes all the difference. Think about it: you're serving holiday drinks , not just throwing something in a mug!

• For a fancy touch, ladle the wassail into heatproof glasses. Add a cinnamon stick swizzle and an orange slice.
• Or, serve it in a rustic punch bowl. It creates a cozy, welcoming vibe for your holiday cocktail menu inspiration , right?
• Pair it with gingerbread cookies or a cheese board. The salty and sweet contrast is spot on.
• As for beverages, I always love to recommend the warm winter beverages: Mulled Cider Recipe, Spiced Wassail Punch and Festive Non Alcoholic Drinks.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've made a huge batch of this beauty, what now?

• Leftover wassail can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days . Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah?
• Freezing isn't ideal, as it can affect the texture, but if you must , freeze it in portions. Use freezer safe bags or containers.
• Reheating is easy peasy. Gently warm it on the stove or in a slow cooker. Don't let it boil.

Variations: Putting Your Own Stamp On It

Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit! Here are a couple of ideas for you.

• For a Christmas mocktail , skip the booze and add a splash of cranberry juice. It's still festive as anything.
• Seasonal swaps are good too! If you're making this in autumn, try using fresh apple cider straight from the orchard! Seriously I can't stress that enough, go get your hands on a bottle of pure unfiltered apple cider if you can and you want to be happy this Christmas!
• You can make the Christmas Mocktails Non Alcoholic swapping sugar to a naturally healthy replacement, like Stevia.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Mug

Okay, so it's a treat, but it's not all bad, promise!

• Each serving has about 150 calories . That’s without any of the naughty booze, mind you.
• Apples are a good source of antioxidants. The spices have their own health benefits.
• It's not exactly a health food, but it's miles better than a fizzy drink!

So there you have it! Honestly, making this Wassail is easier than putting up the Christmas tree. Give it a go, play around with the flavours, and make it your own.

Have a properly lovely holiday drinks season! I am sure your holiday drink recipes easy are going to be the spotlight this year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this wassail ahead of time for my holiday party?

Absolutely! Wassail actually tastes better the longer the flavors meld, much like a good stew. You can make it a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.

Just be sure to remove the citrus slices after a few hours to prevent bitterness if storing for an extended period.

What's the best way to store leftover holiday drinks like this Wassail?

Leftover wassail can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before storing, strain the wassail to remove the fruit and spices, which can sometimes make the drink bitter over time. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I don't have allspice. What can I substitute in these holiday drinks?

Don't worry, you're not alone! Allspice can sometimes be a tricky spice to find lurking in the back of the cupboard. A good substitute is a combination of equal parts ground cloves and nutmeg. This will mimic the warm, complex flavor of allspice without a trip to the shops.

Is it okay to use pre-made apple juice instead of cider for these festive holiday drinks?

While you can use apple juice, apple cider will give you a richer, more complex flavor for your wassail. Apple cider is unfiltered, giving it a more robust apple taste and a slightly cloudy appearance. If you only have apple juice, consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic some of the cider's tang.

Can I make this wassail in a slow cooker?

Definitely! A slow cooker (or Crock Pot as some call it) is perfect for making wassail. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you can keep it warm for serving throughout your holiday gathering.

It's practically set it and forget it!

I'm watching my sugar intake. Are there any lower sugar options for this holiday drink recipe?

Of course! You can easily reduce the sugar content by using a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of honey or maple syrup. Another option is to use unsweetened apple cider or juice and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Remember that the citrus fruits also contribute natural sweetness to the drink.