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Wassail in an irish coffee glass with apple slices (AI-generated image)
AI-generated image
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Wassail

Hot cranberry and apple cider simmered with cinnamon, allspice and cloves, then warmed with apple brandy. Floating apple slices make it feel traditional.

Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Method
Built in glass
Glass
Irish coffee glass

Ingredients

Servings

Amounts below make 8 servings (the full recipe).

  • Cranberry juice — 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail4 cups (32 oz)
  • Apple cider — 4 cups fresh4 cups (32 oz)
  • Apple — Granny Smith, sliced1
  • Apple brandy — 1 cup, such as Calvados8 oz
  • Cinnamon sticks2
  • Allspice berries10
  • Whole cloves8

21+ · Please drink responsibly. Learn more

Garnish: Apple slices (3 slices)

Batching tip: mix everything except ice up to a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Pour over fresh ice to serve.

How to make it

  1. 1

    Combine the cranberry juice, cider, cinnamon sticks, allspice and cloves in a large pot.

  2. 2

    Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Strain out the spices and return the liquid to the pot.

  4. 4

    Stir in the apple brandy and apple slices and keep warm.

  5. 5

    Ladle into mugs with a few apple slices.

Swap it: For a non-alcoholic wassail, leave out the apple brandy and add a little extra cider.

Bar gear

Equipment for this drink

Tools you'll need

  • JiggerA double-sided measure so every drink comes out the same. Look for one marked in ½ and ¼ oz.
  • Bar spoonA long, thin spoon for stirring, layering and fishing out cherries.
  • Punch bowl & ladleLets guests serve themselves from a big batch.

Recommended glassware

  • Irish coffee glassA heat-safe stemmed mug for hot drinks and toddies.

No shaker? A clean jar with a tight lid works. Build your home bar →

Recipe source: Epicurious (Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez) — Wassail. Quantities and basic method are factual. Description and steps are original Mixistry copy. Last updated 2026-10-11.

Contains alcohol. For adults 21+ (or the legal drinking age where you live). Please enjoy responsibly.

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