The best holiday wassail bowl punch has a long history, steeped in tradition.
Did you know that “wassail” got its name from a traditional Old Norse greeting?
A Traditional Wassail Recipe
Literally meaning “good health,” the word ‘wassail’ has evolved over the course of a millennium to its present form.
It has gone from a simple greeting, to a toast.
The toast involves a drink made from various fruits and juices and, usually, ale or dark beer or brandy.
It often contained floating rings of oranges and lemons, which would have filled it with Vitamin C.
Undoubtedly an advantageous thing to drink in the days of yore, when scurvy was rampant.
The History of Wassail Bowl Punch
Wassail was such a popular beverage in ancient England, that it even appears in its literature as early as the eighth-century poem, Beowulf.
It has had numerous carols and songs written in its honor, such as “Here We Come A-Wassailing”.
Although, not originally English, wassail and its familiar toast, was so popular and steeped in English lore, that it was considered by the eleventh-century conquering Normans to be native to England and its people.
Wassail is where the concept of giving a toast comes from
The wassail bowl itself dates to the thirteenth century, when it was used to dip bread and cakes into.
Floating pieces of crisp bread on the surface of the wassail bowl is the origin of our modern-day version of the phrase ‘giving a toast’ or ‘toasting’.
These bowls were made of the finest materials available in order to withstand heavy use.
Wassail Bowl Punch tastes and smells so good
Wassail is a traditional holiday drink, but is delicious all winter long.
A delicious stand-by in many homes over the years, it is a great alternative to alcoholic beverages to warm up those cold, blustery months.
Made on the stove top, or, in a slow-cooker (such as a Crock-Pot).
It is not only fast and easy, but stays warm and delicious for hours.
In fact, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors blend together and create a spicy, citrus delight!
Wassail is a delicious holiday drink.
It’s a great alternative to alcoholic beverages and is perfect to help you warm up when it’s cold outside.
Ingredients you need to make Wassail Bowl Punch:
- 2 quarts sweet apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 large can pineapple juice
- 2 oranges, sliced into rings
- 2 lemons, sliced into rings
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 12 whole cloves
- honey to taste
Note: You may substitute sugar for honey if you prefer.
It’s okay to substitute the sweeteners.
Simple syrup is also an excellent choice to mix into the drink as well.
To make the drink, you will need: a Dutch oven or other large pot, measuring cup, spoon, fine mesh strainer, and beverage glasses.
Alternately, you may also make the drink in a slow cooker.
Making spiked wassail
One serves the traditional wassail recipe as a non-alcoholic drink.
But if you want to serve an alcoholic wassail recipe, you can. People enjoy spiking wassail with any of these liquors:
- whiskey
- bourbon
- rum
- amaretto or
- brandy.
Some people even enjoy spiking wassail with flavored liquors like Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey or Apple Brandy.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you that Fireball wassail is pretty delicious.
It makes a yummy Fireball punch.
When you serve wassail punch with alcohol, pour a shot of liquor into the mug or glass before pouring the wassail.
The heat from the wassail will warm the alcohol without being hot enough to cause the alcohol to evaporate.
Just give it a gentle stir once in your cup to mix the flavors.
How to make Wassail Bowl Punch
Making homemade wassail is really simple.
Start by placing a large pot on the stove.
I like to use a Dutch oven for this, but even a stock pot will work.
Add all of the ingredients into the Dutch oven and let them simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s important to note that you don’t want it to come to a boil.
If it does, the mixture will begin to evaporate and you’ll lose noticeable volume if it boils at length.
For this reason, I like to put a lid on the pot just in case it gets too hot.
When it’s time to drink, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to catch any loose spices.
Pro-Tip: If you enjoy making wassail often during the winter, we like to make the spice blend ahead of time.
The way we like to do that is to cut a small square of cheesecloth, place the spices on the cloth, and then tie it with cooking twine.
Then you have them ready to go!
It saves time, and you can even make up the spice “bags” and put them in a jar for a simple homemade gift!
Slow Cooker directions
These ingredients may also be combined in a slow-cooker and heated on high until mixture is hot, but not boiling.
Reduce setting to low.
Using the slow cooker is also a great way to keep the drink warm if you’re serving it at an event.
After the drink has reached it’s ideal temperature, turn the temperature to low.
Keep the lid on it when not in use to prevent evaporation.
More Punch recipes for you to try:
Fireball and Red Hots Spiced Apple Cider
Sparkling Honey Cranberry Ginger Punch
try it and share!
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You may enjoy following our Pinterest Boards, Punch Recipes and Christmas Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes.
The Best Holiday Wassail Bowl Punch
Ingredients
- 2 Quarts Sweet Apple Cider
- 2 Cups Orange Juice
- 1 Cup Lemon Juice
- 1 Can Pineapple Juice large size
- 2 Oranges sliced
- 2 Lemons sliced
- 1 Cinnamon Stick whole
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a large pot on the stove and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- DO NOT let mixture come to a boil.
- Strain the drink before serving if the spices are floating.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Jennifer. I love to cook and entertain. I have a lot of fun sharing traditional food and drink recipes as well as putting a new spin on the classics. I strive to provide easy to make recipes that are perfect for the home cook, bartender and entertainer.
This sounds like a great addition to any holiday party and love the idea of adding a little bourbon to it!