December 28, 2022
When it comes to winter celebrations, Wassail is one of the most popular drinks. During this cool winter weather, sipping on a warm beverage can bring on a sense of nostalgia. Whether it’s Peppermint Hot Cocoa, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or Spiced Apple Cider, these hot drinks will warm up your body, and fill your heart with fond memories. This festive Wassail Recipe made with essential oils is perfect for holiday entertaining and it is a warm celebration of winter.
What is Wassail?
Wassail is a traditional holiday beverage made from juice and spices. A close cousin to apple cider, Wassail is a type of mulled cider made with a variety of juices such as apple, cranberry, orange, or pineapple juice. It can be simmered on the stove or in a crockpot. Either way, your home will smell amazing!
History of Wassail
The word Wassail comes from the Old English Phrase hal (waes hael) which means “to be in good health.” The term eventually became more of a drinking salute while the act of wassailing turned into a night of drunken Christmas caroling. It took several centuries (and the help of Charles Dickens) for wassailing to become popular again. Wassail is now a treasured Christmas tradition to be enjoyed amongst friends.
Spiced Holiday Wassail
This festive Wassail Recipe made with essential oils is perfect for holiday entertaining.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 1-hour Servings: 6
Equipment: Large saucepan
Ingredients
• 4 cups apple juice or apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 5 drops Orange Vitality essential oil or Tangerine
• 5 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil
• 3 drops Ginger Vitality essential oil
• 3 drops Clove Vitality essential oil
• 1 orange thinly sliced
• 1 lemon thinly sliced
• 8 cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
Instructions
1. Combine fruit juices in a large pot. Let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to one hour.
2. Remove from heat. Add essential oils. Garnish with sliced oranges and lemons. Serve warm in a mug or double-walled cup.
Notes
• The base of this recipe is apple juice, but you can substitute cider or any type of juice. I like adding pure cranberry juice to give it a deep, red color.
• Pineapple juice is optional, but it helps cut the bitterness of the cranberry. You can substitute orange juice if you prefer.
• You can keep a big batch of wassail warm in a slow cooker or an instant pot.
Happy New Year!