There's no better way to chase away the cold than with a warm mug of Winter Wassail. Red wine and traditional mulling spices such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and oranges slices will warm you from inside out!
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
For more Holiday beverage ideas see our Cheesecake Cocktails, Cranberry Mimosas, Grasshopper Martini, and Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail.
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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!
- 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 crock-pot, add all the ingredients and combine.
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 crock-pot, keep the heat on the low setting for up to 4 hours.
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!
Serving Suggestions
Prepare ahead of time, and keep warm with a crock-pot 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.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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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 crock-pot 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 crock-pot 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 crock-pot 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
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
Winter Wassail
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
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!
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