Wassail(Kids Love It!)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 300 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Warm and comforting, Wassail is a festive spiced apple cider beverage with hints of cranberry, cinnamon, ginger, and orange. Perfect for kids and family gatherings, it offers a cozy, aromatic experience that celebrates the flavors of the season and creates a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 qt. apple cider
  • 2 c. cranberry juice
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 3 sticks cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. ground mace
  • 1 large orange
  • whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Cut the orange into eighths and pierce each piece with whole cloves.
  2. Put all ingredients in a crock-pot.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
  4. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 4 hours.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter flavor, consider increasing the brown sugar or adding a splash of honey. You can substitute the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a different twist. If you like a spicier profile, adding a few more sticks of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg can enhance the flavor. This wassail recipe is great for holiday gatherings and is kid-friendly, unlike some adult beverages.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the wassail warm in mugs, garnished with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with sweet treats like Cinnamon Hard Candy or even savory snacks such as Sweet And Sour Cocktail Wieners. This drink is perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pour it into a pot and warm it on the stove over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but do so in short intervals to avoid overheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Wassail(Kids Love It!) contains roughly 299 calories, with 3g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

299 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 69g 25% DV
Fiber 11.6g 41% DV
Sugar 42.1g 84% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 126.8mg 6% DV
Potassium 442.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 286.4mg 22% DV
Iron 4.4mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make wassail ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the wassail a day in advance. Simply cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this wassail recipe is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the apple cider and cranberry juice you choose are also labeled as vegan, and you can enjoy this warming drink without any concerns.

Can I add alcohol to this wassail recipe?

Absolutely! If you're looking to make an adult version, consider adding a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to each mug just before serving. This transforms the drink into a festive cocktail that's perfect for holiday gatherings.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →