A Wassail is mulled punch, made from a variety of fruits and juices. There is much tradition and history around wassailing, as a ritual to chase evil spirits from cider trees, ensuring a fruitful harvest the following season.
It has become a tradition in our home to have a Wassail simmering on the stove during holiday gatherings or visits from family during the late fall and winter months. We also make it anytime someone has a cold – it packs a Vitamin C punch and chases away the chill. All the best scents of the holiday season simmering on the stove…

Holiday Wassail
Equipment
- Stock Pot
- Large Tea Ball or Cheese cloth, recommended but optional
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon Apple Cider Organic, Fresh Pressed is best
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1 cup Cranberry-Pineapple Juice or 1/2 cup of each
- 1 cup Cranberries Fresh or Frozen Whole
- 1 each Orange, sliced in rings seeds removed
- 1 each Red Apple, sliced in rings seeds removed
- 1 each Lemon, sliced in rings seeds removed
- 3 tbsp Mulling spices use your favorite blend, or see recipe notes
Instructions
- Wash all fruits thoroughly, slice and seed.
- Combine all juices and fruits in a 6 quart stock pot.
- Place mulling spices in a large tea ball or wrap in cheese cloth tied with a string.
- Add mulling spices to stock pot with fruits and juices.
- Over medium heat, bring to a low boil and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Allow wassail to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Serve piping hot in mugs or Irish Coffee glasses. Garnish with cinnamon stick and additional fruit if desired.