This easy wassail recipe is a winter favorite, combining warm notes of cinnamon, apple cider, cranberry, and cloves. It’s simple to make on the stovetop for a quick batch or in the slow cooker when you want a hands-off option. Either method yields a cozy, non-alcoholic holiday drink perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
A Quick Look: Easy Wassail Recipe
- Cooking time: 30 minutes on the stovetop or 1–3 hours in the slow cooker.
- Servings: Serves 4–6 people.
- Main ingredients: Apple juice or cider, unsweetened cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh apples and cranberries, and optional honey.
- When to serve: A warm, festive mocktail for wrapping presents, a potluck, or any holiday gathering.
- Dietary information: Gluten-free and dairy-free. This version is Mediterranean-diet and migraine-diet friendly and works for lower-histamine menus because it contains no citrus or alcohol.
- Why you’ll love it: This non-alcoholic wassail echoes the traditional drink but swaps cranberry for orange juice, creating a tart, fragrant alternative. Make it in the crockpot for parties or on the stovetop when you want it quickly.
Wassail always feels nostalgic—perfect for chilly evenings, holiday parties, or simply filling the house with a festive scent. If you prefer something with fewer ingredients but just as cozy, try a warm cinnamon milk.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- How to Make Wassail (Slow Cooker and Stovetop)
- Expert Tip
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage and Reheating
- Recipe FAQ
- More Holiday Drinks
- Easy Wassail Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)
Ingredients
Notes and preferred substitutions are below. For exact amounts see the recipe card further down.
- Apple juice or apple cider: Regular apple juice makes a clearer, sweeter wassail; unfiltered apple cider gives a fuller apple flavor and is slightly less sweet. Honeycrisp varieties are a good choice.
- Cranberry juice: Use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (not cocktail) for a bright, tart profile. Pomegranate juice can be substituted for a different antioxidant-forward flavor.
- Spices: Use whole cloves and cinnamon sticks so the spices infuse cleanly and are easy to remove before serving.
- Honey or maple syrup: Optional for extra sweetness. The apple and cranberry often provide enough sweetness on their own.
How to Make Wassail (Slow Cooker and Stovetop)
Stovetop Method
- Combine apple juice (or cider) and cranberry juice in a large 6-quart pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and honey if using. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce immediately to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the spices have infused the liquid and the aroma fills your home. Strain out the cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Crockpot Method
- Pour the apple and cranberry juices into a 6–8 quart slow cooker.
- Add the apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and honey if desired. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 1–3 hours.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves with a slotted spoon or strain before serving. Keep on warm for parties if needed.
Expert Tip
To keep whole cloves from floating loose and make them easier to remove, press the cloves into the apple slices before adding them to the pot. They’ll stay together and are simple to fish out at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Wassail’s bold flavors pair well with savory appetizers like cream cheese tortilla roll-ups or as a warming finish alongside cookies or other holiday desserts. It’s also delightful on its own while wrapping gifts or driving to see holiday lights. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a sprig of rosemary for a festive presentation.
Party Tip
For a self-serve party setup, keep the wassail in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting and arrange cups nearby. Offer a small dish of extra cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or star anise so guests can customize their cups.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled wassail in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. For long-term storage, freeze portions in ice cube trays or reusable silicone molds for up to six months; thaw and reheat as needed.
To reheat: Microwave in 30-second increments until warm, or heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Recipe FAQ
Yes — while it’s traditionally served warm, this wassail can be chilled and served over ice with decorative apple slices or fun ice spheres for a festive cold drink.
If citrus is fine for you, swap the cranberry juice for orange juice for a more traditional wassail flavor. Adjust sweetness as needed.
More Holiday Drinks
Try other warming seasonal beverages like cinnamon milk or a rooibos latte, or opt for festive cold mocktails such as a pomegranate mojito or homemade ginger ale.
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Easy Wassail Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)
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Equipment
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1 Slow Cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple juice or apple cider, unsweetened
- 2 cups cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 honeycrisp or gala apple, sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon optional: honey or maple syrup
Instructions
Stovetop Method
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Add all ingredients to a 6-quart pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce immediately to low and maintain a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes so the spices infuse. You may simmer up to 1 hour on very low heat. Remove apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves before serving.
Slow Cooker Method
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Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 1–3 hours. After cooking, keep on warm or strain out the solids and serve warm.
Notes
- Too tart? Sweeten to taste with honey or add more apple juice to balance the tartness.
- Pro tip: Stick whole cloves into apple slices so they stay together and are easy to remove.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to one week or freeze portions in ice cube molds for longer storage. Reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or rosemary for a festive touch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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