Cozy Old Fashioned Wassail Recipe: Your Ultimate Holiday Warm-Up Drink
I’ve partnered with Dole Packaged Foods to bring you this delightful recipe, perfect for sharing warmth and joy during the colder months. Get ready to experience the true essence of the holidays! #DoleSunshine #ShareTheSunshine #ad
There’s nothing quite like a steaming mug of Old Fashioned Wassail to chase away the winter chill. This beloved beverage, with its rich blend of apple, cranberry, and pineapple juices, infused with aromatic spices, transforms into more than just a drink – it’s a comforting experience, akin to a warm embrace from someone you love, served right in your cup.
The Enduring Charm of Wassail: A Sip of History and Tradition
Wassail isn’t just a simple hot drink; it carries centuries of history and tradition. Originating from ancient Anglo-Saxon times, the word “wassail” comes from the Old English “wæs hæil,” meaning “be healthy” or “be whole.” It was traditionally a toast offered during festive gatherings, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s, to wish good health and fortune. The act of “wassailing” involved going door-to-door, singing carols, and sharing this spiced cider from a communal bowl, believing it would bring a good apple harvest in the coming year.
While modern wassailing might look a bit different, the spirit of sharing warmth, good cheer, and delicious flavors remains. This Old Fashioned Wassail recipe captures that essence beautifully, making it a perfect centerpiece for your own holiday traditions.
Our Beloved Mocktoberfest Tradition: More Than Just a Parade
In my family, we have a cherished tradition that began in October, but due to the bustling schedule of kids’ activities, it eventually shifted to November. We affectionately call it “Mocktoberfest” – a holiday entirely of our own making! It’s a day dedicated to family, food, and community. Everyone gathers, we trek down to watch our small town’s holiday parade, celebrate my sister’s birthday, and spend the entire day indulging in heartwarming conversations and delicious potluck soups, all brought in crockpots.
Now, if you haven’t experienced a small-town holiday parade in northern Missouri, let me paint a picture for you. It’s an early start, requiring you to bundle up against the biting cold for a couple of hours. You stand there, huddled with neighbors and friends, cheering on everyone you know – and their uncle – as they pass by on their creatively handmade floats. The cold is piercing, chilling you to the bone until you can barely feel your fingers, toes, or even your nose. It’s a quintessential small-town experience, full of charm and community spirit, but undeniably frigid.
It was out of this chilly tradition that I started making this Old Fashioned Wassail. There is absolutely nothing like stepping back into my warm home after enduring hours of freezing temperatures, only to be immediately enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of this rich, spicy, and fruity apple cider drink. The scent alone is enough to begin the thawing process, promising instant relief. This wassail is one of those magical concoctions that truly warms you from the inside out, making the return home from the parade even more special.
Wassail Pronunciation: The Great Debate!
Before we dive into the recipe details, I need your help to settle a long-standing argument in my house! How do YOU pronounce “wassail”? I say “wah-sail,” like the word “sailboat.” My husband, on the other hand, insists it’s “wossil,” rhyming with “fossil.” The internet, ever so unhelpful in this particular case, claims we are both correct, which, as you can imagine, does absolutely nothing to resolve our spirited debate! So, please, weigh in – how do you say it? Your input could be the tie-breaker!
Crafting Your Perfect Wassail: Ingredients & Preparation Tips
This Old Fashioned Wassail is the quintessential drink for any holiday gathering or party, primarily because of its incredible ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or a cozy family evening, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The secret lies in a harmonious blend of fruit juices and classic spices, creating a comforting aroma that fills your home and instantly signals the festive season.
The Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Wassail:
- Apple Juice: Forms the base of our wassail, offering a classic cider flavor. Choose a good quality apple juice for the best results.
- Cranberry Juice: Adds a beautiful tartness and a vibrant red hue, balancing the sweetness of the other juices.
- Dole Pineapple Juice: This is my special ingredient! The Dole pineapple juice brings a wonderful tropical sweetness and a subtle tang that elevates the entire drink, adding a unique depth of flavor that many traditional wassails lack. It truly brightens the profile.
- Orange: Sliced and studded with cloves, the orange not only infuses a citrusy brightness but also acts as a beautiful garnish.
- Whole Cloves: These small but mighty spices release a warm, pungent aroma and flavor. Sticking them into the orange slices allows for a slow, gentle infusion.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Essential for that characteristic holiday spice, cinnamon sticks lend their sweet and woody notes to the wassail as it simmers.
Easy Preparation: Crockpot or Stovetop
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make it in a slow cooker (crockpot) or on the stovetop, depending on your preference and time. Both methods yield a wonderfully aromatic and delicious wassail.
Crockpot Method: Set It and Forget It
For a hands-off approach, the crockpot is your best friend. Simply pour 2 quarts of apple juice, 1 quart of cranberry juice, and 1 can of Dole pineapple juice (a 46-ounce can works perfectly) into a 5-quart or larger crockpot. Slice a fresh orange into 4-5 rounds and then, for a beautiful presentation and even more flavor, stick about 5 whole cloves into the rind of each orange slice. Gently add these clove-studded orange slices along with 5 cinnamon sticks to the juice mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and fragrant drink. Plus, your house will smell absolutely divine!
Stovetop Method: Quick & Convenient
If you’re short on time or don’t have a large crockpot, preparing this Old Fashioned Wassail on the stove top is just as effective. Combine all the ingredients – the apple juice, cranberry juice, Dole pineapple juice, clove-studded orange slices, and cinnamon sticks – in a large stockpot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can diminish the delicate flavors. Just a gentle simmer is enough to release all those wonderful aromas and warm spices.
No matter which method you choose, the result is an easy-peasy and visually appealing drink that’s sure to impress your guests. The floating orange slices and cinnamon sticks add a lovely rustic touch, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Old Fashioned Wassail
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Ingredients
- 2 quarts apple juice
- 1 quart cranberry juice
- 1 46 ounce can Dole pineapple juice
- 1 orange
- 20-25 whole cloves
- 5 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
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Slice the orange into 4 to 5 slices. Push 4-5 cloves into each orange slice and set aside.
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Add the apple juice, cranberry juice, and Dole pineapple juice to a 5-6 quart crockpot.
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Add the clove-studded orange slices and cinnamon sticks to the juice mixture. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve hot.
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Notes
If preparing on the stove top, combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Do not boil.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Once your Old Fashioned Wassail has simmered to perfection, serve it hot in mugs, perhaps with an extra cinnamon stick or a fresh orange slice for garnish. For an adult version, a splash of brandy, rum, or a spiced liqueur can be added to individual servings. If you prefer a sweeter drink, a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar can be stirred in before serving. For an even more complex flavor profile, consider adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a star anise pod to the crockpot along with the other spices.
This Wassail isn’t just for holiday parades; it’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or simply a cozy evening by the fireplace. Its inviting aroma and comforting taste will make any occasion feel more festive and warm.
Conclusion: Warmth in Every Sip
Making Old Fashioned Wassail is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating an experience. It’s about the comforting scent that fills your home, the warmth that spreads through you with every sip, and the joy of sharing a timeless tradition with loved ones. With the simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this delicious holiday drink in no time, ready to create your own cherished memories. So go ahead, embrace the festive spirit, and let this Old Fashioned Wassail become a new favorite in your home this winter!
You might also enjoy these other wonderfully warm drinks to keep you cozy all season long!
Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa
Hot Buttered Kahlua