Homemade Wassail: It's Not Just for Christmas Anymore

First of all, is it wassail, mulled cider, or hot cider? All these terms are accurate, and no matter what you call it, this recipe is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

Mulling spices include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which can all be found in this recipe. When added to an apple juice base, you end up with mulled cider. This drink was named for the part it played in a ritual called wassailing, which involves going door-to-door singing uplifting tunes and offering friends and neighbors a drink from the wassail bowl. This probably sounds very familiar, except you probably know it as caroling.

But wassail, if not wassailing, can hit the spot whenever it’s cold outside. Enjoy!

Homemade Wassail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cups apple cider
• 3 cups orange juice
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cups pineapple juice
• 6 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 20 whole cloves

Slow Cooker Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 6-8 hours. Serve warm.

Stovetop Instructions:

Combine apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a large pot and bring to a light boil over medium-high heat. Once those are starting to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.