Hot Wassail

Hot wassail fills a kitchen with the smell of the holidays faster than just about anything else. This version skips the ale and wine you’ll find in traditional English recipes, making it a non-alcoholic crowd pleaser that works for all ages.

Three juices do the work: apple, pineapple, and cranberry. The apple provides the warm, familiar base. Pineapple adds tropical sweetness. Cranberry cuts through with tart, ruby-red brightness. All unsweetened, so the drink isn’t cloying.

A cinnamon stick, whole cloves, nutmeg, and a slice of lemon simmer in the juice for just 10 minutes. That’s enough to steep the spices without making the drink bitter. Whole spices are better than ground here because they infuse gently and don’t leave gritty sediment at the bottom of the cup.

Chef Tips

• Keep the heat low. You want a gentle simmer, not a boil. Boiling cooks off the fresh fruit flavor
• Fish out the cloves and cinnamon stick before ladling into mugs
• This holds well on the stove over very low heat or in a slow cooker on warm for a party
• Float a thin apple slice or orange wheel in each mug for a festive look

Variations

• Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to individual mugs for an adults-only version
• Stir in a tablespoon of honey per cup if you prefer a sweeter wassail
• Replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a more traditional citrus flavor