• bookmarks
    My Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Membership Benefits
  • Recipes
  • Meals
  • Holidays
  • Food Trends
  • News
  • Kitchen Tips & Tools
  • All Videos
  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Follow
Privacy NoticeTerms Of Use
Skip to Content
Logo
  • Recipes
  • Dinners
  • Fourth Of July Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • News
Subscribe
sign in
  1. Meals & Cooking
  2. Recipe Headquarters
  3. Wassail

Wassail

This Yuletide cider is a cold weather staple for a reason.

By Gabby RomeroPublished: Nov 18, 2022
VerifiedApproved by the Delish Test Kitchen
Star
Be the first to review!
wassail
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Cal/Serv:
152
Arrow Circle Down IconJump to recipe

Wassail is a warm, spiced punch that’s traditionally served when celebrating the ancient English Yuletide tradition of the same name. Historically, gatherers would sing and hand out mugs of mulled cider, ale, or wine in exchange for gifts. While different recipes use varying types of alcohol, fruit, and spices, most modern batches of wassail use apple cider as the base.

This wassail can be served with or without the addition of bourbon or brandy. The combination of warm spices, like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, infuse a heady, autumnal essence into each steaming mug. Make sure to use whole spices, so they're easier to strain and won't add a gritty texture to your cup. We also included black tea in this recipe to add some tannic depth and an extra antioxidant boost. You can make a batch up to 4 days ahead of time to allow the flavors to intensify.

Did you try this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

  • 8 cups

    apple cider

  • 1 cup

    fresh orange juice

  • 2

    lemons, sliced, plus more for serving

  • 1

    (1/2") piece ginger, peeled

  • 1

    bags black tea

  • 2

    (3") cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving

  • 6

    cardamom pods

  • 5

    whole cloves

  • 3

    allspice berries

  • 2

    whole star anise pods, plus more for serving

  • Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg 

  • Bourbon or brandy, for serving (optional)

Directions

    1. Step 1In a large pot over low heat, bring cider, orange juice, lemon slices, ginger, tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, berries, star anise, and nutmeg to a simmer. Cover and cook until spices are infused, about 1 hour.
    2. Step 2Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then ladle wassail into mugs. Stir in 1 1/2 ounces bourbon per mug, if using. Garnish with lemon slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise pods.
    3. Step 3Make Ahead: Wassail can be made 4 days ahead. Do not strain and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Strain, reheat, and add bourbon before serving.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Recipe Headquarters

braised chicken thighs in a sauce with green onions

Braised Chicken Thighs

big mac sauce

25 Incredibly Easy Homemade Condiments

tomato tart topped with red onion and crumbled feta

Tomato Tart

ice cream sandwiches with brownies and chocolate chip cookies

75 Best Fourth Of July Desserts

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ladyfingers layered with mascarpone, blueberry jam, and strawberries

The 4th Of July Recipes Our Team Makes Every Year

cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan

white chocolate covered oreo pops decorated as jack skellington with icing

Jack Skellington Oreo Pops

the bear omelet

“The Bear” Boursin Omelet

one pan coconut lime chicken

One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken

mexican corn salad mixed in a bowl

Mexican Corn Salad

broccoli caesar pasta salad topped with crunchy croutons

70 Easy 4th Of July Side Dishes

green covered cake bites with red hearts

Grinchy Christmas Cake Bites

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
x
tiktok
youtube
facebook
instagram
pinterest
NewsletterSubscribeManage SubscriptionAbout UsDelish Test KitchenMedia KitCommunity GuidelinesAdvertise With UsDelish Shop Product SupportOther Hearst SubscriptionsDelish Unlimited Membership SupportTurn off Web Notifications
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2025 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices