British Wassail Recipe

British Wassail (Spiced Mulled Cider Bowl)

A centuries-old winter warmer — part drink, part ritual — traditionally shared in a communal bowl to bring light, luck and warmth into the darkest weeks of winter.

Ingredients

• 2 litres good-quality cider

• 250ml apple juice

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 apple, sliced

• 6 whole cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 star anise

• ¼ tsp grated nutmeg

• 2–3 tbsp soft brown sugar or honey

• Optional: a splash of dark rum

Method

1. Put everything in a large pan over low heat.

2. Warm until steaming — never boil, or it loses its softness.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness.

4. Ladle into mugs or serve in a shared bowl in true wassailing fashion.