The Ultimate Old Fashioned Wassail Recipe: Your Cozy Winter Comfort Drink
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Imagine stepping in from a chilly winter day, greeted by the inviting aroma of warm spices and fruit. That’s the magic of Old Fashioned Wassail – a timeless beverage that blends apple, cranberry, and Dole pineapple juices with aromatic spices to create the ultimate soul-warming drink. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a nostalgic hug in a mug, a festive tradition waiting to unfold in your home. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire, this easy-to-make crockpot wassail promises comfort and cheer.
What Exactly is Wassail? A Sip of History and Tradition
The word “Wassail” conjures images of ancient traditions and festive cheer, and for good reason! Historically, wassailing was a pagan ritual performed in cider-producing regions of England to ensure a good apple harvest the following year. Villagers would sing to apple trees and pour spiced cider at their roots. Over time, it evolved into a more general term for a festive alcoholic beverage, often served warm during the Christmas and New Year periods.
Our Old Fashioned Wassail draws on this rich history, offering a non-alcoholic (but easily adaptable for adults) version that brings warmth and celebration to any gathering. It’s a drink that literally means “be in good health” – and who couldn’t use a bit of that during the colder months? This particular recipe captures the essence of classic wassail, focusing on natural fruit flavors and aromatic spices to create a comforting experience for all ages.
Our Beloved “Mocktoberfest” Tradition: A Recipe Born from Chilly Parades
Every year in our household, a cherished tradition unfolds. It began as an October affair but, as life often dictates, shifted to November due to the ever-increasing whirlwind of kids’ activities. We lovingly named it “Mocktoberfest” – a completely homemade holiday, unique to our family. On this special day, everyone gathers for my sister’s birthday, bringing a delicious crockpot of soup, and we spend the entire day immersed in lively conversation and good food. But the highlight, or perhaps the most enduring memory, is our trek down to watch our small town’s annual holiday parade.
Now, if you’ve never experienced a small-town holiday parade in the heart of north Missouri, let me paint a picture for you. We rise early, bundle up in countless layers, and brave the absolutely “freezing butt cold” temperatures for a couple of hours. We stand, stamping our feet and blowing into our hands, watching everyone we know (and their uncle!) proudly display their handcrafted floats. The chill seeps into your bones until you can’t feel your fingers, toes, or even your nose.
It was out of this bone-chilling (yet wonderfully memorable) experience that this Old Fashioned Wassail recipe was born. I started making it as the perfect antidote to the cold, a guaranteed way to warm us from the inside out the moment we stepped back through the door. There’s truly nothing quite like walking into a house already enveloped in the rich, spicy, and fruit-filled aroma of this magnificent apple cider drink after enduring the cold. It’s more than just a drink; it’s the sensory embrace of home and comfort, making it an indispensable part of our Mocktoberfest tradition.
Wassail Pronunciation: Let’s Settle This Debate!
Before we dive deeper into the deliciousness, let’s address a pressing matter – the pronunciation of “Wassail.” This is a long-standing debate in my household, and I desperately need your input! I pronounce it “wah-sail,” much like the word “sailboat.” My husband, on the other hand, insists it’s pronounced “wossil,” rhyming with “fossil.” We’ve consulted the internet, and much to our frustration, it declares both pronunciations correct, which, as you can imagine, does absolutely nothing to resolve our friendly disagreement!
The Oxford English Dictionary, for example, lists both /ˈwɒseɪl/ (wah-sail) and /ˈwɒsəl/ (woss-əl) as acceptable pronunciations. While it’s fascinating that centuries of use have led to this phonetic divergence, it doesn’t make our holiday argument any easier!
So, I’m turning to you, dear reader: how do you say it? Is it a “wah-sail” or a “wossil” in your neck of the woods? Drop a comment below and help us finally settle this!
Crafting the Perfect Warmth: Why Our Wassail Recipe Shines
This Old Fashioned Wassail isn’t just easy to make; it’s crafted with a harmonious blend of flavors that truly set it apart. The star ingredients work together to create a symphony of sweet, tart, and spicy notes that dance on your palate, making it a perfect holiday beverage.
The Juice Trio: Apple, Cranberry, and Dole Pineapple
At its heart, this wassail combines three essential fruit juices, each playing a crucial role:
- Apple Juice: The foundational sweetness and classic cider base. Opt for a good quality, unsweetened apple juice for the best, most natural flavor.
- Cranberry Juice: Adds a delightful tartness and vibrant ruby color, beautifully balancing the sweetness and introducing a festive tang that is synonymous with winter holidays.
- Dole Pineapple Juice: This is where the “sunshine” comes in, thanks to our wonderful partners at Dole Packaged Foods! The tropical sweetness and subtle acidity of Dole pineapple juice elevate this wassail, adding a unique bright note that distinguishes it from traditional ciders. It provides a depth of flavor and a touch of unexpected deliciousness that makes this recipe truly special and incredibly refreshing, even when served warm.
The Warming Spices: Oranges, Cloves, and Cinnamon
No warm holiday drink is complete without the comforting embrace of spices. For our wassail, we infuse it with:
- Fresh Orange Slices: Not only do they look beautiful floating in the warm liquid, but the bright citrus notes of fresh orange add a fragrant lift to the drink. Slicing the orange allows its essential oils and juicy flavors to infuse more readily into the wassail, enhancing the overall fruit profile.
- Whole Cloves: These tiny but mighty spices are traditionally paired with citrus and apple. By studding the orange slices with whole cloves, you allow their intense, warm, and slightly pungent flavor to slowly release over time, creating a wonderfully aromatic experience without overwhelming the juices. This method also makes them easy to remove before serving.
- Cinnamon Sticks: The quintessential winter spice. Whole cinnamon sticks provide a gentle, sweet warmth that permeates the entire drink, contributing to that inviting, cozy aroma that fills your home. Using sticks rather than ground cinnamon ensures a cleaner flavor and presentation.
Effortless Entertaining: Making Wassail in Your Crockpot
One of the many reasons this Old Fashioned Wassail is the perfect drink for any holiday gathering or party is its incredible ease of preparation. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your guests and enjoy the festive atmosphere without constant stirring or monitoring.
Simple Steps for Crockpot Perfection:
- Combine Juices: Simply pour 2 quarts of quality apple juice, 1 quart of cranberry juice, and 1 (46-ounce) can of Dole pineapple juice into a 5-quart or larger crockpot. The generous size ensures enough for everyone and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare Citrus & Spices: Slice one fresh orange into 4 to 5 substantial rounds. Into each orange slice, carefully push about 4-5 whole cloves. This method not only looks charming but also allows the concentrated clove flavor to infuse slowly and evenly into the drink.
- Infuse and Simmer: Add your clove-studded orange slices and 5 whole cinnamon sticks directly to the crockpot with the juices. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. That’s truly it! The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and meld, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that is as much a part of the holiday experience as the drink itself.
The beauty of the crockpot method is that it keeps the wassail perfectly warm throughout your event, ready for refills without needing constant attention. Plus, watching the oranges and cinnamon sticks float in the rich, ruby-colored liquid adds a beautiful, decorative touch to your holiday spread, making it a visual centerpiece as well as a delicious one.
No Crockpot? No Problem! Stovetop Instructions:
If you don’t have a crockpot or prefer to make your Old Fashioned Wassail on the stovetop, it’s just as simple! Just combine all the ingredients – the apple, cranberry, and Dole pineapple juices, the clove-studded orange slices, and the 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 boil it vigorously, as this can diminish the delicate spice flavors and make the juice cloudy. Serve it hot and enjoy!
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, cranberry, and Dole pineapple juices 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 stockpot and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes. Do not boil vigorously.
Nutrition
Serving & Customizing Your Festive Wassail
While our Old Fashioned Wassail is delicious as is, there are many ways to enhance and customize it to suit your taste and occasion. Personalizing your wassail can make it even more memorable for your guests.
Presentation Matters:
- Garnishes: For an extra festive touch, float a few fresh cranberries, thin apple slices, or extra orange rounds in the crockpot or individual mugs. A fresh cinnamon stick or a star anise pod makes a beautiful and aromatic stirrer, adding an elegant touch.
- Mugs: Serve in clear glass mugs or heat-proof punch cups to showcase the beautiful, deep ruby color and floating garnishes, enhancing the visual appeal of this holiday classic.
Make it Adult-Friendly:
For those who prefer a spiked version, you can add a splash of your favorite spirit to individual servings. This allows guests to choose their preference and prevents the alcohol from cooking off during the simmering process:
- Brandy or Rum: A traditional choice that complements the fruit and spice flavors beautifully, adding a rich, warming depth.
- Whiskey or Bourbon: Adds a deeper, smoky warmth and a more robust character.
- Spiced Rum: Enhances the existing spice profile with additional notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and allspice.
Always add alcohol to individual servings after the wassail has been heated, rather than to the entire crockpot, for the best flavor and safety.
Flavor Variations:
- Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger (peeled) to the crockpot along with the other spices for a subtle, zesty kick and a hint of warmth.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can be sprinkled on top of individual servings just before drinking for an extra layer of fragrant warmth.
- Sweetness: If you prefer your wassail sweeter, a touch of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can be added during the last hour of cooking. Start with a tablespoon or two and taste as you go, adjusting to your desired level of sweetness.
- Different Juices: Experiment with a splash of pomegranate juice for an even richer color and a more complex tartness.
Storage & Reheating:
Leftover wassail can be stored in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or back in the crockpot until thoroughly warmed through. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more so, the next day!
Embrace the Warmth: Make Old Fashioned Wassail a Part of Your Tradition
Whether you’re warming up after a brisk outdoor event like our Mocktoberfest parade, hosting a festive holiday gathering, or simply curling up by the fire on a cold evening, this Old Fashioned Wassail is the perfect companion. Its intoxicating aroma and comforting, complex flavors create an ambiance of joy and hospitality that truly embodies the spirit of the season. It’s a versatile drink that fits perfectly into any winter celebration, bringing smiles and warmth to everyone.
Thanks to the vibrant and high-quality juices from Dole Packaged Foods, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to cherish moments with loved ones. We encourage you to try this recipe and share the sunshine and warmth with your family and friends this winter. And don’t forget to tell me how you pronounce “Wassail” in the comments below – let’s make some holiday history!
You might also enjoy these hot drinks for even more winter comfort!
Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa
Hot Buttered Kahlua