Description
At its essence, a cinnamon apple wassail is a hot, aromatic spiced fruit punch cooked slowly to bring together fruit juices and whole botanical spices. Unlike basic warm apple cider, which relies on a single fruit base, this beverage combines the rich sweetness of pressed apples with the bright tang of orange juice and the crisp tartness of cranberry juice. These liquids simmer alongside whole cinnamon sticks, aromatic cloves, star anise, and fresh fruit slices, creating a layered flavor profile that balances sweetness, acidity, and deep spice notes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice into a large saucepan or slow cooker.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and apple slices.
- Stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Stovetop: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 25–30 minutes.
Slow cooker: Cook on Low for 2–3 hours. - Strain the wassail if desired, or leave the fruit and spices in for a rustic presentation.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an apple or orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
For a sweeter wassail, add extra maple syrup or brown sugar. For a more festive flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~105 kcal
Keywords: spiced apple wassail, homemade apple wassail, warm holiday apple cider