Wassail drink is the perfect drink for the winter season. It warms both the body and soul. The combination of apple cider and spices is simply delightful. Every sip feels like a holiday celebration.
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Easy Wassail recipe
Wassail is made from mulled cider, ale, or wine. It can include roasted apples, sugar, nutmeg, and ginger. It was served from a communal “wassail bowl” or “wassail cup.”
This spiced drink is characterized by its rich, comforting flavors. It has a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and citrus notes. Apple and orange juices provide a sweet base, while spices introduce warmth. Wassail is often described as a spicier version of mulled cider.
Here is how to make the Wassail drink:
Non-alcoholic Wassail
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar adjust to taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 orange sliced into rounds
- 1 apple sliced into rounds
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
- Stir in the honey or sugar and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and orange slices.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the wassail simmer for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Stir occasionally.
- Strain the drink to remove spices, if desired, and serve warm in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange or apple slice.
Nutrition
The term “wassail” means “good health.” It was traditionally celebrated on Twelfth Night to promote health and prosperity.
Wassailing has two main traditions. One tradition is house-visiting. Groups sing and offer drinks as gifts. The second tradition is orchard-visiting. People sing to apple trees. They do this to ensure a bountiful harvest. Participants hang toast soaked in wassail as offerings to tree spirits.
Wassailing is both a festive celebration and an agricultural ritual. Ceremonies include singing traditional songs like “Here We Come A-Wassailing.” Noise-making, like banging pots, scares away evil spirits from orchards. Wassailing is an important tradition in apple orchard areas.
How to pair Wassail drink
Wassail is versatile for pairing with various dishes. Here are some recommended food pairings:
- Sweet Treats
- Wassail enhances the sweetness of festive cookies.
- Fruit-based desserts complement Wassail’s fruity notes.
- Chocolate desserts allow wassail to shine through.
- Savory Dishes
- Cheeseboard complements Wassail drink’s spiced sweetness.
- Boursin pasta creates a contrast with the drink’s warmth.
- Chicken in puff pastry pairs well with the Wassail drink’s sweetness.
- Quiche Florentine balances Wassail’s flavor profile.
- Pot roast enhances the comforting essence of Wassail.
Variations
Here are some versions of the Wassail drink:
- Lamb’s Wool: This version combines ale with roasted apples, sugar, and spices. The apples are baked until soft and mashed and mixed into the ale. The drink is known for its unique texture and flavor.
- Citrus Berry Bliss Wassail: This variation uses apple cider as a base. It is enhanced with orange juice, lemon zest, cranberries, rosemary, and ginger. This drink is visually appealing and uplifting.
- Spiced Pear and Vanilla Wassail: This variation features pear juice mixed with apple cider. It is simmered with cinnamon and cloves. Vanilla extract adds sweetness. This version is perfect for cold nights.
- Gingerbread Wassail: This version combines apple cider and ginger beer. It creates a fizzy base. Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract give a gingerbread flavor. It evokes holiday baking memories.
- Chai-Spiced Wassail: This version infuses chai tea with apple cider. It is spiced with cardamom and black pepper. The beverage is ideal for chilly evenings.
- Sparkling Wassail: This variation combines cranberry cocktail juice with cinnamon and star anise. It is topped with sparkling apple cider. This variant can be served as a mocktail or spiked with rum.
- Spiked Cider Wassail: This variation uses real apple cider. It adds bourbon along with ginger and lemon for extra flavor.
