Classic Holiday Wassail Recipe (A Warm Christmas Tradition)

Every time I make wassail, I can’t help but think of that iconic scene in It’s a Wonderful Life when Clarence confidently orders mulled wine—heavy on the cinnamon, light on the cloves—like it’s the most natural thing in the world. That moment perfectly captures the spirit of this drink: warm, spiced, comforting, and meant to be savored, not rushed. I made wassail one year on a whim, and much like Clarence’s drink order, it stuck. Now it’s become one of my favorite holiday traditions—a simmering pot on the stove, the whole house smelling like Christmas, and a cozy mug that feels like the season itself.

A few years ago, I made this wassail almost on a whim. I was hosting during the holidays, wanted something cozy and festive that wasn’t just another bottle of wine, and stumbled across this old-school recipe. One pot simmering on the stove and my entire house smelled like Christmas. I’ve made it every year since—and now it’s officially one of those non-negotiable holiday traditions in my home. It’s warm, comforting, perfectly spiced, and tastes like the holidays in a mug. Honestly, if Christmas had a signature drink, this would be it.

A Wassail Tradition That Stuck

The History of Wassail

Wassail dates back to medieval England, where it was both a drink and a ritual. The word comes from the Old English phrase “waes hael,” meaning “be well” or “be in good health.” Traditionally, wassail was a warm, spiced punch made with ale or wine, apples, and sugar, shared during winter celebrations to toast good health and prosperity in the coming year.

In some regions, people would even go door-to-door wassailing—singing, drinking, and wishing neighbors well (which honestly sounds like a holiday tradition we should consider reviving). Over time, wassail evolved into the fruit-forward, spiced drink we know today, especially popular in the U.S. during Christmas gatherings.

Classic Holiday Wassail Recipe

Yield: About 3¾ quarts

Classic Holiday Wassail Recipe

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This Classic Holiday Wassail Recipe is a warm, spiced Christmas drink made with apple juice, citrus, cinnamon, and cloves—perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, and cozy winter traditions.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 Lady apples or small Gala apples
• 8 cups water
• 2 (12-ounce) cans frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted
• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted
• 1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar
• 1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 15 whole cloves
• 6 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups Riesling or other sweet white wine*
• Garnish: additional cinnamon sticks, if desired

Instructions

1. Peel the top third of each apple. Place apples in a shallow baking dish and pour in water to a depth of about ½ inch.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until apples are slightly tender, basting occasionally with the water. Remove apples from the dish and set aside.
3. Combine the 8 cups water and the next 7 ingredients (through cinnamon sticks) in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Remove and discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Stir in the wine.
5. Serve wassail warm in a Dutch oven, slow cooker on low, or a heatproof punch bowl. Float baked apples in the wassail and garnish as desired.

Notes

*For nonalcoholic wassail, substitute white grape juice for the wine.

Alcohol contributes calories but not fat or cholesterol

For a non-alcoholic version, white grape juice will slightly increase sugar and carbs

Nutrition values are naturally higher due to fruit juices and brown sugar (which is expected for a holiday drink)

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: ~25mgCarbohydrates: ~46gNet Carbohydrates: ~45gFiber: ~1gSugar: ~42gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: ~1g

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Turn Wassail Into a Thoughtful (and Budget-Friendly) Holiday Gift

Here’s where my Designer Vibe brain kicks in. Wassail also makes an amazing holiday gift—and you don’t need fancy bottles or expensive packaging to pull it off. Dollar Tree has glass bottles, swing-top bottles, and even seasonal wine bags that work perfectly for gifting.

You can bottle the cooled wassail, add a handwritten or printed tag with reheating instructions, and tie on a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice for that extra “designer” touch. Slip the bottle into a wine bag, and suddenly you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that feels special, intentional, and festive—without spending a fortune. It’s perfect for neighbors, teachers, hosts, or anyone who appreciates a cozy holiday moment.

Make This Classic Holiday Wassail Recipe

If you’ve never made wassail before, consider this your sign. One batch and you just might find yourself adding it to your own holiday tradition list—right alongside the tree trimming, cookie baking, and gift wrapping chaos. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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