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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Published: Dec 12, 2022 · Modified: Mar 13, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Winter Wassail

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    winter wassail in a holiday stemless goblet.

    When the winter chill begins to set in, there is no better way to chase away the cold than with a warm mug of winter wassail.

    Combining red wine with traditional mulling spices such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and oranges slices - it will leave your taste buds singing!

    winter wassail in a holiday stemless goblet.

    For more Holiday beverage ideas see our Cheesecake Cocktails, Cranberry Mimosas, Grasshopper Martini, and Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail.

    What is Wassail?

    Wassail is an ancient, traditional winter drink made from wine, cider, or fruit juice that has been spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and star anise.

    Whether it's prepared in a pot on the stovetop or in a crockpot, winter wassail is perfect for sipping on cold nights around the fire - making it an ideal beverage choice for entertaining during the chilly season.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    As the nights get chillier and the days grow shorter, there's no better time to whip up a piping hot cup of delicious and warming winter wassail.

    A perfect blend of wine or apple cider, orange juice, and spices such as cinnamon sticks and cloves, this traditional seasonal beverage is an excellent choice whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just wishing someone a joyous new year

    Jump to:
    • What is Wassail?
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Wassail
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Nothing quite says winter like a steaming mug of hot winter wassail! With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily make this classic holiday brew that is sure to please any crowd.

    Give yourself a treat this season by creating your own version of Winter Wassail that you can enjoy all winter long!

    ingredients for making hot wassail.
    • Dry Red Wine
    • Orange Liqueur
    • Orange slices, fresh
    • Cloves, whole
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Star anise, whole
    • Honey
    • Garnishes: Orange, Lemon, or Lime slices, additional cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh cranberries.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make Wassail

    This hot winter wassail recipe features bright orange citrus flavors, a winter wassail spice blend, and honey sweetness - creating something unique and incredibly tasty that everyone can enjoy.

    Read on to learn how to make wassail – sure to become one of your favorite cold weather traditions!

    Mix Ingredients

    Using a large saucepan or crockpot, add all the ingredients and combine.

    Pot of mulled wine with slices of orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Heat to Marry the Flavors

    On medium high heat, bring the liquid to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Cover. Reduce heat to very low on the stovetop for up to 3 hours.

    If using a crockpot, keep the heat on the low setting for up to 4 hours.

    Pot of mulled wine with slices of orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Strain and Serve

    Skim the cooked orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise out of the pot. Add more honey if you want a sweeter hot beverage.

    Present your winter wassail in stemless goblets or mugs with festive garnish of cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cranberries.

    Serve this Winter Wassail Punch at your next winter party with appetizers like our Savory Puff Pastry Tarts, Holiday Appetizer Wreath, and Hedgehog Cheese Ball!

    winter wassail in a holiday stemless goblets.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    Prepare ahead of time, and keep warm with a crockpot so guests can self serve. Serve with snacks and appetizers to start or complete any Holiday event.

    Some great options would be our Christmas Wreath Appetizer, Cherry Tomato Bruschetta, Bacon Cheddar Ranch dip with chips & vegetables, and Baked Brie with Cranberries.

    winter wassail in a holiday stemless goblets.

    Substitutions

    You can easily transform this alcoholic hot beverage into a non alcoholic Christmas Punch. Substitute the red wine for regular apple cider, and the orange liqueur with orange juice.

    You will still have a delightful, hands warming mug of winter wassail!

    Variations

    Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner guests, or their cultural cuisine, is a great way to increase the chances they make the recipe

    • Crockpot Wassail - Add all ingredients to a crockpot and set the heat to high for 1 hour. Turn heat down to low and cover. Use a strainer to lift out the cooked orange slices and spices. Serve from this crockpot wassail plugged in to stay warm for your guests.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. You will need a nice large dutch oven type of pan, or even a crockpot if you prefer.

    • Crockpot, 6 qt
    • Dutch Oven, 6 qt (retains more heat than a stainless pot, keeping your wassail hot longer).

    Storage

    Remove any fruit slices, cranberries, and spices used as garnish remaining in your leftover wassail leftovers. The spices will turn bitter if left in too long. Store leftovers in a covered pitcher or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Tips for Success

    • This great on the stovetop, but for a crowd or a party, a crockpot is your best friend!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I freeze leftover winter wassail?

    You can! I can highly recommend pouring the leftover wassail into ice cube trays. Freeze, pop out into a plastic freezer bag. Then, when you want a nice infusion in your summer beverage, add a wassail ice cub to your lemonade or sparkling water!

    Food Safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    📖 Recipe

    mulled wine in a holiday stemless goblets.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Winter Wassail

    When the winter chill begins to set in, there is no better way to chase away the cold than with a warm mug of winter wassail. Combining red wine with traditional mulling spices such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and oranges slices - it will leave your taste buds singing!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: Christmas, European
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 170kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Crockpot 6 quart
    • 6 qt Enameled Dutch Oven

    Ingredients

    For Alcoholic Winter Wassail (see notes for Non Alcoholic)

    • 1 bottle Red Wine dry
    • ¼ cup orange liqueur
    • 1 orange sliced thin
    • ¼ cup honey

    Wassail Spice Blend (for simmering)

    • 8 cloves whole
    • 3 cinnamon sticks 4" long
    • 2 star anise whole

    Garnish

    • Orange sliced thin
    • cinnamon sticks
    • star anise whole
    • cup cranberries fresh
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Using a large saucepan or crockpot, add all the ingredients and combine.
      1 bottle Red Wine, ¼ cup orange liqueur, 1 orange, ¼ cup honey, 8 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise
    • On medium high heat, bring the liquid to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Cover. Reduce heat to very low on the stovetop for up to 3 hours.
      If using a crockpot, keep the heat on the low setting for up to 4 hours.
    • Skim the cooked orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise out of the pot. Add more honey if you want a sweeter hot beverage.
    • Present your winter wassail in stemless goblets or mugs with festive garnish of cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cranberries.
      Orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cup cranberries

    Notes

    • Freeze any leftover wassail in ice cube trays. Pop out into a plastic freezer bag and return to the freezer. Add a wassail ice cub to your summer lemonade or sparkling water!
    Non Alcoholic Wassail
    Replace the bottle of red wine with bottled apple cider, the non cloudy variety. Replace the orange liqueur with ¼ cup of frozen concentrated orange juice, or 1 cup regular orange juice. Follow the recipe otherwise.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword : Christmas wassail, non alcoholic christmas punch, wassail spice blend, what is wassail, winter wassail, winter wassail recipe

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    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

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