Easy Wassail Recipe (Homemade Hot Apple Cider Drink)

Wassail is a tasty drink made with apple cider, fruit juice, and mulling spices. Sweet, spiced, and a little tart, it’s just what you need to warm up on a chilly night. Make this hot cider drink in the crockpot or on the stove! I love making this during the holiday season! 

The first time that I made this hot wassail recipe, I knew that I’d found my new favorite drink for Christmas Eve.

It’s perfect for a cold day, and even saying the word wassail brings a smile to my face! 

This hot drink is a festive Christmas punch and is a fun holiday tradition, too. It’ makes the house smell amazing – and it’s just one of those tasty holiday drinks that is sure to become a family favorite. Some people add a splash of brandy, some don’t. It’s totally up to you! 

Gather the simple ingredients listed on the recipe card to make this wassail recipe. It’s the perfect warming drink loaded with apple flavor! 

Recipes like Wassail

A warm mug of something sweet and spiced is the perfect touch to any
winter evening. 

This wassail recipe makes enough for guests or to enjoy by yourself all week long.

Get a little boozy at your holiday party with a Nutty Apple Cocktail! It’s got plenty of caramel undertones to complement the rich apple and hazelnut flavors.

My Cranberry Crave Cocktail recipe adds sophistication to any event and is sure to impress your guests. 

Smooth cognac and sweet liqueurs combine perfectly with tart cranberry juice.

And don’t forget the kids! This Disney Frozen Snowball Punch is made with just four ingredients and has scoops of ice cream floating on top for a frosty touch.

Our friend Allen brought Wassail to our Christmas party a few years ago,
and we have been hooked ever since.

I played with the recipe a little, but either way, this hot apple cider is amazing and a beloved new tradition in our house. 

Everyone always asks for the recipe, so you know it’s good!

What Is Wassail?

Originally, the term was used as a greeting shared by neighbors and carolers, or as part of a toast made with a mug of cider at winter gatherings.

Over time, the term became more associated with the drink itself rather than for the wish of good cheer.

There isn’t much difference between wassail and hot mulled cider. Both are made with sweet apple cider and infused with warm spices.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Apple Cider – It’s important to use cider and not juice because it has a richer and more complex flavor. I like to use Musselman’s, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
  
• Brown Sugar – Replace with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup if you prefer.
  
• Pineapple Juice – This has a nice balance of tart and sweet, but cranberry juice is another popular choice for hot mulled cider.
  
• Cinnamon Sticks – Ground cinnamon has a tendency to float on the surface, so sticks are best for simmering. However, about 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be used if needed.
  
• Whole Cloves – Use 1 teaspoon of ground cloves if whole ones aren’t available.

How to Make Hot Mulled Cider

Add everything to a stockpot on the stove and simmer for an hour or two until warm and fragrant. If you want a less fussy version you can skip the fruit.

Then, scoop out the fruit and whole spices with a slotted spoon or drain the liquid through a sieve. It is SO simple!

I like to store this cider drink in jugs in the fridge, then warm up a cup at a time in the microwave. For parties, I like to keep it hot in an airpot.

Crockpot Apple Cider Instructions

Simply combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.

Because of the amount this makes, you will need to split the ingredients between two crockpots, or reduce the recipe so it fits into one.

What You Will Need For This Recipe

• Use one large Slow Cooker or two smaller 4-quart ones. For the stovetop, you’ll just need a Large Pot
• Citrus Juicer – This gets every last drop out, which makes juicing lemons so much easier.
• Sieve – Great for straining liquid or sifting dry ingredients to prevent clumps. You can even use it to dust powdered sugar over desserts! 
  Or, scoop solids out with a slotted spoon instead.
• Funnel – We keep apple cider jugs to store this in, so this is a must! It makes transferring liquids to separate containers quick and easy.
• Airpot – With pump action pouring, it is a party must-have. It is perfect for keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. And makes serving so easy!

Storage and Reheating

Hot apple cider will stay fresh for 7-10 days if you keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. 

To combine any sediment that may settle at the bottom, be sure to give the cider drink a good stir or shake first.

Reheat a mugful in the microwave or larger amounts on the stove. For parties, you can warm it back up in the crockpot on Low.

Wassail Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

 Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

---

Originally published December 2020, updated and republished November 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.