Cranberry Wassail

Simple & Festive Homemade Cranberry Wassail

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When the air turns crisp and the flannels come out of storage, there's one recipe that always makes its way back into our home: a big simmering pot of homemade cranberry wassail.

Warm, fragrant, and filled with festive spices, it's one of those simple seasonal treats that makes the whole house feel cozy.

Every autumn and winter, this recipe becomes a staple on my stovetop. It's the kind of drink that can simmer away while you're tackling chores around the homestead, tidying the house, or simply curling up for a cozy movie night. This particular batch simmered while I watched Harry Potter with the pup curled up nearby (and I may or may not have fallen asleep!).

If you're looking for a simple, comforting drink that makes your home smell amazing, this cranberry wassail is a must-try. It's easy to make, wonderfully forgiving, and perfect for enjoying all season long.

Hi I'm Mindy!

Homesteader, mama, and home-cook since the ’90s. I share simple, heart-filled meals, raw milk wisdom, free range chickens, and encouragement for the everyday mama. So glad you’re here friend!

Want to see it step by step? Check out the video below

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Things to Consider

Fresh Cranberries: One or two bags of fresh cranberries work beautifully. As they simmer, they'll burst and release their juices, creating that gorgeous deep red color.
Mulling Spices: You can add your spices loose or use a muslin spice bag. Either works just fine since everything will be strained at the end. If you're local, you can find the mulling spices we use in our Farmers Market Shop, or shop the mulling spices on our website.
Sweeten to Taste: Brown sugar adds a lovely warm, molasses-like sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Longer Simmering: This recipe is very forgiving! Let it simmer for an hour or longer to deepen the flavor. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more water as needed.

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Kitchen Tools Needed to Make This Easy Cranberry Wassail

Large Pot
Fine Mesh Strainer
Large Spoon

Cranberry Wassail Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you begin…

1–2 bags fresh cranberries
Water, enough to cover cranberries generously
1 sachet mulling spices
1 cup brown sugar (more or less to taste)

Simple & Festive Cranberry Wassail

(Step-by-Step Instructions)

Crockpot Instructions:

1. Add Cranberries & Water

Pour the fresh cranberries into a large soup pot. Cover generously with water, leaving plenty of room for the liquid to simmer and reduce.

2. Add Mulling Spices

Add your mulling spices directly to the pot or place them in a muslin spice bag. Either way works just fine since everything will be strained later.

3. Bring to a Simmer

Heat over medium heat until the liquid begins to simmer and the cranberries start popping. Once they get going, reduce the heat to low and let everything gently simmer.

Be careful around the popping cranberries! Those little bursts can send hot juice splattering out of the pot.

4. Let It Simmer

Allow the cranberries and spices to simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer if you have the time. The cranberries will continue breaking down and releasing their juices, creating a beautiful deep red color and rich flavor.

5. Add Water as Needed

As the wassail simmers, the liquid will gradually cook down. When it reduces to about half, simply add more water and let it continue simmering. Don't worry about being too precise here. This recipe is pretty forgiving!

6. Strain the Cranberries

Once the cranberries have completely softened and broken down, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve.

Use a large spoon to press the cranberry pulp against the strainer, squeezing out as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the leftover skins and seeds (or toss them to the chickens!).

A little heads-up: if your chickens enjoy the cranberry leftovers, don't be surprised if you notice some red in their poop afterward!

7. Sweeten & Serve

Return the strained liquid to the pot and stir in 1 cup of brown sugar until dissolved. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm!

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry Wassail

Cranberry wassail is best served warm in your favorite mug. Add an orange slice, cinnamon stick, or a little extra mulling spice for a festive touch, or simply enjoy it as-is.

It's perfect for chilly autumn evenings, winter mornings, Christmas gatherings, or cozy movie nights. And don't forget, the wonderful aroma while it simmers is half the fun!

Storing: Allow leftover wassail to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. (I like to use half gallon mason jars.) Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Make Ahead: This is a great recipe to make ahead! It reheats beautifully, and the flavors have even more time to come together overnight.

Keep It Simmering: Want to keep a pot going throughout the day? Absolutely! Just keep the heat low, add water as needed, and occasionally check the liquid level.

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Good food brings people together. I'd love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Share your tips, substitutions, questions, or family memories in the comments below.