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Wassail

A hot spiced holiday punch of cider or ale with fruit and warm spice.

Base spirit
Wine
Style
Hot
Glassware
Mug
Technique
Build

Wassail is a hot festive punch rooted in English winter celebration. Apple cider or ale is warmed with citrus, sugar, and spices, sometimes fortified with spirit. Served in mugs, it is communal and ceremonial rather than a precise cocktail template.

Wassail in a mug, amber, cinnamon stick, light steam.

Ingredients

Servings
  • • 6 oz apple cider
  • • 1 oz brandy optional
  • • 0.5 oz honey
  • • orange peel
  • • 2 cloves
  • • 1 cinnamon stick
  • • pinch allspice

Did you know?

“Wassailing refers both to the drink and to winter blessing rituals in English orchard and Christmas traditions.”

Source:English wassail and Christmas traditions

Bartender's Note

Keep below a boil. Fortify with brandy or sherry at the end if desired.

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How to make the Wassail

  1. 1Warm cider with honey and spices
  2. 2Add optional brandy in the mug
  3. 3Top with hot cider
  4. 4Garnish with cinnamon and orange peel

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