Traditional wassail, the hot spiced cider punch of old English Christmas, finished with Krampus Herbal Liqueur. Made in a slow cooker for a crowd.
Wassail is the original Christmas drink: a hot, spiced bowl of cider or ale passed around from house to house in old England. This version is made with fresh apple cider, orange, ginger and whole spices in a slow cooker, then finished with Krampus Herbal Liqueur.
It fills the house with the smell of the holidays and keeps warm all evening.
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 orange studded with 12 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise and 1 tbsp sliced fresh ginger
- 1½ cups Krampus Herbal Liqueur
Directions
- Combine the cider, juices, clove-studded orange, spices and ginger in a slow cooker.
- Warm on low for 1 hour so the spices steep. Do not let it boil.
- Stir in the Krampus just before serving and ladle into mugs.
Makes: 10 drinks · Glass: Mug · Garnish: Orange slice, cinnamon stick
Tip
Add the Krampus last and keep the cooker on warm, not low, once it is in. Long heat cooks off the honey and spice.
Variations
Float ½ oz Barrel-Aged Krampus on each mug for a darker, oak-aged wassail. For an ale wassail closer to the original, swap 2 cups of the cider for a brown ale.
A Brief History of the Wassail
The word comes from the Old English and Norse greeting wes hál, "be well." For centuries, English households filled a wassail bowl with hot ale or cider, roasted apples, sugar and spice and shared it through the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Wassailers carried the bowl door to door, singing for a drink or a coin, a tradition that helped give us Christmas caroling. In cider country, farmers also wassailed their apple orchards in January to bless the next harvest.
Why Make It With Krampus
Old wassail recipes sweetened the bowl with sugar and fortified it with brandy or sherry. Krampus does both at once: raw honey for sweetness, plus roasted hazelnut and warming spice that deepen the cider instead of just making it stronger. It also has its own Alpine Christmas roots, which makes it a fitting partner for one of the oldest holiday drinks there is.
FAQ
Is wassail alcoholic?
Traditionally, yes. It was made with ale or hard cider and often fortified with brandy or sherry. Leave out the Krampus for a family-friendly version.
What is the difference between wassail and mulled cider?
They are close relatives. Wassail usually adds citrus juice and is tied to the English tradition of sharing a bowl, while mulled cider is simply cider warmed with spices.
Can I make wassail ahead of time?
Yes. Make the spiced cider a day ahead, refrigerate it and rewarm it slowly. Stir in the Krampus just before serving.