Wassail(Waasul)

A warm, spiced apple cider beverage with cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and citrus, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 c. apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 c. honey
  • 1 tsp. lemon rind or orange rind or juice
  • 15 to 20 whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Adjust spices and sweetness to taste before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding slices of fresh ginger or a splash of brandy. If you don't have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar can serve as excellent substitutes. Adjust the amount of spices based on your preference; adding extra cloves or cinnamon can enhance the warmth. Be careful not to overboil, as it may lead to a bitter taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve wassail warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of citrus for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Pie(Kindergarten Recipe) or Grilled Sweet Potatoes for a delightful holiday meal. Consider offering a selection of snacks like croutons or bread crumbs for a cozy gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You can also microwave it, but do so in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without scalding.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Wassail(Waasul) contains roughly 1213 calories, with 2g protein, 317g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).

1213 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 5% DV
Carbs 317.3g 100% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 311.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 64.3mg 3% DV
Potassium 224.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Calcium 58.4mg 4% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit 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 in advance?

Yes, you can prepare wassail ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld even more during storage.

Is it possible to make wassail alcohol-free?

Absolutely! The recipe as is is already alcohol-free. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a splash of non-alcoholic cider or sparkling water when serving for an effervescent twist.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the wassail?

You can easily modify the sweetness by adding more or less honey or using alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia. Taste as you go and remember that flavors will intensify while simmering.

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).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →