Justine’s Ultimate Wassail Recipe

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Step 1

Optional - Roast the apple. Preheat oven to ~400 °F. Wrap the cored apple tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast ~35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly, then slice or quarter. Save any juices from the foil. (This adds a deeper, slightly caramel apple “lambswool” texture/flavor.)

Step 2

Prepare the Base In a large pot (or slow cooker), combine the apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice cocktail. If using roasted apple, add the slices + any juices from the roasting. Add slices of orange (or orange peel) and the fresh ginger.

Step 3

Add cinnamon sticks, grated nutmeg, and — if using — tie your whole-spice bundle (allspice, cardamom, star anise, cloves) in a tea strainer or cheesecloth and submerge. 

Step 4

Heat Gently - Bring mixture up to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low/medium-low and let it simmer for about 30–40 minutes (similar to Old-Fashioned version). 

Step 5

If using a slow cooker instead: set to high for about 2 hours, then switch to warm. This mirrors the slow-cooker method from the “with a kick” version, just without alcohol. 

Step 6

Finish and Serve Remove and discard the spice bundle, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and orange peel (if you used peel).

Step 7

Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract if desired. Taste, and adjust sweetness or citrus/fruit balance if needed (you could add a little more juice or a splash of water if too strong).

Step 8

Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh apple or orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod for holiday flair.