Wassailing Through the Holidays 🎄🍹
When it comes to holiday drinks, there’s one that truly deserves the crown: spiked wassail. Sure, mulled cider is cozy, but have you ever experienced the pure, unfiltered magic of a warm mug of wassail punch? If not, you’re in for a treat, because this drink doesn’t just warm your hands—it warms your soul.
Before we dive into the recipe (and yes, this one has bourbon because we don’t play), let’s take a quick stroll down Wassail Lane.
The Tale of Wassail: From Merrymaking to Mixology
Wassail dates back to medieval England, where it was part drink, part tradition. The word "wassail" comes from the Old English toast “waes hael,” meaning “be well” or “good health.” People would go door-to-door, singing and sharing this spiced cider-like concoction as a way to wish prosperity and joy. (Kind of like caroling, but with a much better beverage in hand.)
Traditionally made with ale or mead, spices, fruit, and a hefty dose of holiday spirit, wassail was less about sipping and more about celebrating. It was the drink of the season for those who believed a little revelry was as essential as mistletoe.
So why does wassail punch kick cider’s ass? Because it’s extra. It’s the maximalist version of your favorite hot drink—rich, spiced, boozy, and festive. Think of cider as your everyday sweater and wassail as the bedazzled Christmas cardigan of holiday beverages.
A Copycat Trader Joe’s Wassail Punch—With a Spiked Twist
Trader Joe’s knows how to do the holidays, and their Wassail Punch is a cult favorite. But why buy it when you can easily make it at home with fresh ingredients—and elevate it with bourbon?
Here’s what you’ll need to craft a batch of holiday cheer in your kitchen:
Ingredients
4 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed, if you’re feeling fancy)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 tbsp whole cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground allspice
4-5 star anise (optional, but oh-so-pretty)
1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cup bourbon (or more, because it’s the holidays!)
Instructions
In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Add in the lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise.
Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the spices to infuse their magic.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the bourbon. (Tip: Serve the bourbon on the side if your guests want to control the strength.)
Ladle into mugs, garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick, and serve hot.
Make Your Wassail Pop
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a cozy evening by the fire, the right accessories can elevate your wassail experience:
Elegant Glass Punch Bowl Set: Showcase your wassail in style with this gorgeous glass punch bowl that screams holiday chic.
Spice Sachets: Avoid fishing out rogue cloves by steeping your spices in these handy sachets.
Insulated Mugs: Keep your wassail toasty in these sleek mugs that look as good as they perform.
Slow Cooker with a Warm Setting: Perfect for keeping your punch warm all night long.
Why Wassail Is the Ultimate Holiday Vibe
Wassail isn’t just a drink; it’s a mood. It’s sipping something warm while your favorite holiday playlist is on repeat. It’s clinking mugs with friends while someone inevitably tells the story of their worst Secret Santa gift. It’s the drink that brings people together.
Plus, it’s versatile. Not feeling bourbon? Sub in rum or brandy. Hosting a family-friendly night? Skip the alcohol altogether—wassail’s still fabulous without it.
Wassail Trivia to Impress Your Guests
Apple Trees and Wassail: In England, wassailers would sing to apple orchards to ensure a bountiful harvest. (Yes, singing to trees was a thing.)
A Symbol of Unity: Wassail was often served from a communal bowl, symbolizing togetherness.
The Wassail Song: Ever heard the carol “Here We Come A-Wassailing”? It’s an ode to this very tradition!
Put A Bow On It! Cheers to a Warm, Boozy Holiday
Now that you’re armed with the recipe and history of wassail, it’s time to make this the drink of the season. Whether you’re spiking it with bourbon, singing to your apple tree, or just enjoying the spicy aroma wafting through your kitchen, wassail has everything you need to make your holidays unforgettable.
So, grab your punch bowl, gather your friends, and toast to good health, good times, and the absolute joy that is holiday wassail.
Waes Hael! Be well and be merry.
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