If you’re searching for that heartwarming, spiced drink to brighten up cold evenings or holiday gatherings, this Traditional Wassail Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightfully fragrant blend of apple and orange juices with warming spices that will instantly make your home feel cozy and welcoming.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Comfort in a cup: This wassail warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly nights.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: Using everyday pantry staples, this recipe transforms them into a festive treat.
Versatile and kid-friendly: Since it’s non-alcoholic, everyone from kids to adults can enjoy it.
Perfect for gatherings: It fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and is a great conversation starter at parties.

A white pot filled with a light brown liquid has floating slices of orange and lemon in bright yellow and pale yellow colors. There are also thin slices of apple with a light cream color and brown edges, showing star-shaped seeds in the center. Among the fruit slices are two dark brown cinnamon sticks, several dark brown cloves scattered around, one whole nutmeg, and a star anise with a dark brown star shape. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Traditional Wassail, Wassail drink, festive warm beverage, holiday Spiced cider, non-alcoholic wassail

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Traditional Wassail Recipe relies on just a handful of key ingredients, each playing a distinct role in building its warm, spicy-sweet personality. The combination of apple and orange juices provides a bright, fruity base, while brown sugar and spices add depth and cozy aromas that make your kitchen smell like the holidays.

Flat lay of fresh whole apples sliced to show the juicy interior, bright orange wedges with visible zest, rich brown sugar crystals scattered softly, two warm cinnamon sticks crossing each other, a single star anise with its star shape clearly visible, a small pile of golden ground ginger powder, a sprinkle of nutmeg powder with a soft texture, and delicate orange zest curls arranged elegantly, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Traditional Wassail, Wassail drink, festive warm beverage, holiday Spiced cider, non-alcoholic wassail

Apple juice or cider: The star of the show, delivering natural sweetness and a great base flavor. Cider adds an earthier tone if preferred.
Orange juice: Balances the apple with bright citrus notes and works beautifully with the zest for extra zing.
Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and a hint of molasses-like warmth.

Cinnamon sticks: Infuses the wassail with the classic spicy-sweet aroma we all love.
Ground ginger and nutmeg: These ground spices give subtle heat and a perfect hint of autumn comfort.
Orange zest: Enhances the fresh, citrusy feel, making the drink lively and vibrant.

Star anise (optional): Gives an exotic licorice note; totally optional but highly recommended for an authentic twist.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Traditional Wassail Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Juices and Spices

Start by pouring 6 cups of apple juice and 1½ cups of orange juice into a medium-sized pot. Toss in your brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and the zesty punch of 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add that star anise for an authentic touch of flavor complexity.

Step 2: Bring It to a Boil, Then Simmer

Turn the heat to high and bring your mixture to a gentle boil, letting all those spices mingle and release their scents. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer slowly for about 30 minutes—the magic moment where flavors deepen and meld into that perfect “wassail” warmth.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

After simmering, carefully ladle the wassail into your favorite mugs or glasses. Garnish each cup with slices of apple, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod for that extra nostalgic flair and inviting look.

How to Serve Traditional Wassail Recipe

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm amber-colored apple cider are placed on a white marbled surface. Each mug shows the smooth texture of the cider with a faint hint of cinnamon sticks or spices inside. Around the mugs, there are several small apples with red and yellow skin, adding a fresh and natural touch. In the back, a white pot is slightly blurred, giving depth to the scene. The background is a light, soft-patterned white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Traditional Wassail, Wassail drink, festive warm beverage, holiday Spiced cider, non-alcoholic wassail

Garnishes

Garnishes make this traditional drink shine even more! Think thin slices of crisp apple floating on the surface, a cinnamon stick to stir in the flavors further, or the occasional star anise pod lending visual appeal and a subtle licorice twist. These little touches elevate the experience and make each sip feel special.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs beautifully with cozy baked goods like gingerbread, spiced cookies, or buttery shortbread. You could also serve it alongside roasted nuts or hearty cheese platters to balance the sweet warmth of the wassail with savory bites. Great for holiday parties or a relaxing evening, it complements flavors that feel seasonal and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Consider serving the wassail in clear glass mugs so everyone can admire its golden-orange hue. Set up a DIY wassail bar with garnishes like cloves, extra orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices, inviting guests to customize their drink. Adding edible flowers or a cinnamon sugar rim to your glasses can also make your presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your wassail has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or sealed pitcher. Store it in your refrigerator for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy warm sips on demand without losing any freshness or flavor over time.

Freezing

This Traditional Wassail Recipe doesn’t freeze exceptionally well because of the fresh citrus components and spices, which can change texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and reheated when needed for the best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your stored wassail on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling again to preserve the delicate flavors and avoid a bitter edge from the spices.

FAQs

Can I make Traditional Wassail Recipe alcoholic?

Absolutely! You can add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon to warm up your wassail for an adult version. Add the alcohol after removing the pot from heat to keep the flavors smooth and prevent burning off the alcohol.

What spices are essential in wassail?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are the core spices used in this Traditional Wassail Recipe. Optional stars like star anise can enhance the flavor complexity, but the classic trio is what creates that warm, comforting profile.
Can I use fresh juice instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Freshly squeezed apple and orange juices will make your wassail taste vibrant and natural. It’s a great way to keep it wholesome and boosts the fresh aroma of the drink.
How long can I keep wassail warm for serving?

It’s best to keep your wassail warm on low heat for up to an hour. Beyond that, flavors might become more concentrated, and some spices could turn bitter, so stirring often and moderate heat is key when serving to groups.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magic about gathering around a pot of Traditional Wassail Recipe — it brings people together with its warm flavors and inviting aroma. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a comforting drink, I promise this recipe will become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, make it, share it, and let your home fill with the happiness this drink brings!