Russell Wassail

Updated September 2026 with step-by-step directions, serving size, slow cooker tips, variations, and answers to common questions.

Wassail is an amazing Christmas drink. If you haven’t had it yet, that’s just sad. You should make yourself some immediately.

Here’s how:

Russell Wassail (From the Russell Family)

Combine 2 cups of cranberry juice, 6 cups of cider, 1/4 cup of sugar
In a cheese cloth, combine 6 sticks of cinnamon, 16 whole cloves
Simmer on top of a stove (in a tea kettle or not)

This is delicious! We’re having it at GC this Friday and I can’t wait. We’re also making reindeer sweatshirts with our hands and feet. Hope everyone had a happy First of November!

How to make Russell Wassail, step by step

The recipe above is short, so here’s a little more detail:

Make a spice bundle. Lay a square of cheesecloth flat, add the cinnamon sticks and cloves, and tie it closed with kitchen string. If you don’t have cheesecloth, a large tea infuser works, or drop the spices straight into the pot and strain them out later.
Combine everything in a pot. Pour the cranberry juice and cider (regular apple cider, not hard cider) into a large saucepan, stir in the sugar, and add the spice bundle.
Simmer, don’t boil. Heat it over medium until it just starts to steam, then turn it down to low. Let it simmer gently for at least 20 to 30 minutes so the spices have time to flavor it. A hard boil can make it taste bitter and cooks off too much liquid.
Taste and serve. Taste it and add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter. Take out the spice bundle and ladle it into mugs.

This makes 8 cups, which is enough for about 8 mugs or 12 to 16 small punch cups. It doubles easily for a big party.

Keeping it warm for a crowd

If you’re serving wassail at a church event, a small group, or a Christmas party, I recommend a slow cooker. Make it on the stove or in the slow cooker, then keep it on the warm setting with a ladle and a stack of cups next to it. Your house will smell like Christmas all night.

Easy variations

Orange: Add a sliced orange or a cup of orange juice for a brighter flavor.
More spice: Add a few allspice berries, a star anise pod, or a couple slices of fresh ginger to the spice bundle.
Less sugar: Start with half the sugar, or use honey or maple syrup to taste. Sweetened cranberry juice cocktail and some ciders are already sweet.
Garnish: Float an orange slice or a cinnamon stick in each mug.

Why it’s worth making

Wassail is one of the easiest ways to make a gathering feel special. It takes about five minutes of work, it’s naturally dairy-free and alcohol-free the way it’s written, and it works for kids and adults alike. If you haven’t had it yet, this is your year.

Frequently asked questions

What is wassail?

Wassail is a hot, spiced drink with roots in old English Christmas and New Year traditions. The name comes from an old toast wishing someone good health. Today most American recipes, like this one, are a warm blend of apple cider, fruit juice, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Can I make wassail in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add the cider, cranberry juice, sugar, and the spice bundle to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for about 1 hour, until hot and fragrant. Then switch it to warm so guests can serve themselves.

How long does wassail keep?

Let leftovers cool, take out the spices, and refrigerate in a covered jar or pitcher for up to about five days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming. It is also good cold over ice.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can. Apple juice makes a lighter, sweeter wassail, so you may want to reduce the sugar. Unfiltered apple cider gives the richest flavor and body.