This wassail recipe combines apple cider with pineapple juice and warming spices. It can be kept in a slow cooker for the whole day which will make the house smell incredible. Keep bourbon on the side for adults to spike theirs!

My mother has made this wassail recipe my whole life for every holiday gathering. She would always put it in a slow cooker early in the day and it makes the house smell incredible when the guests arrive.

The recipe is so quick and easy to put together. It just requires apple cider and pineapple juice mixed with a bit of honey, orange slices, and some spices. This is the perfect holiday drink and adults and kids alike will love it!

We also like to add a bit of bourbon into the adult servings which makes it extra tasty!

My Mom's Wassail Recipe
Yield: 12 Servings

My Mom's Wassail Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

My mother has made this wassail for every holiday party I can remember. We put it in the crockpot early in the day and it makes the house smell incredible. Serve as is, or add a bit of bourbon if you like!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gallon (2.2 liters) apple cider
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
  • 1/3 cup (115 grams) honey
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries
  • bourbon for serving (optional, plan on 1.5 ounces per drink)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot (I typically use a crockpot) combine the apple cider, pineapple juice, orange slices, honey, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves (I usually stick the cloves into the orange slices), and allspice berries.
  2. Let simmer for about 2 hours or, if using a crockpot, keep on high for 2 hours. Turn the heat down to low and serve when ready. We typically let it sit in the crockpot all day/evening during a holiday party our own holiday celebration.
  3. When ready to serve you can add about a shot (1.5 ounces) of bourbon into each serving. We always keep it separate from the wassail so the kids can drink some too.