I did it! I finally figured out how to get the teenagers to hang out at my house during the winter—hot chocolate and wassail mix on the counter. It’s like magic: they just show up!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Last year, someone gifted me a little bit of tangy wassail mix, and I’ve craved it ever since.
If you’ve never tried wassail, it’s a cozy, spiced drink traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and festive gatherings. It’s similar to apple cider but with a fun twist: citrus (think oranges and lemons) and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Some versions include ale, wine, or brandy, but in our house, we stick to the family-friendly, non-alcoholic kind.
Now, while I love the idea of a pot of wassail simmering on the stove all day, let’s be honest—that’s not happening. Enter this powdered wassail mix: the perfect solution for last-minute guests or impromptu gatherings. Just add hot water, and you’re ready to go—instant warmth and cheer!
The best part? This mix is incredibly easy to make and makes for a thoughtful, budget-friendly neighbor gift. One batch will fill five 8oz jars, so you can spread a little joy to everyone on your list.
Just grab a few ingredients from the grocery store or order them online, and let’s get mixing!
Ingredients:
For this recipe you will need some powdered mixes and some seasonings that you might not have in your pantry. The amounts are listed for you on a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Tang – I use an entire 20oz container for one batch. The Tang is really what makes this wassail so “tang-y.” (Get it? Tang-y? Okay, I’ll see myself out… terrible joke, sorry!)
- Lemon Kool-Aid – Make sure to grab the little packets that don’t have sugar added yet. I like to use two. I’ve tried this with Country Time Lemonade mix before, but it turned out a little too sweet and not quite tangy enough.
- Vanilla Powder – This one’s a bit trickier to find locally (at least for me), but it’s easy to order online. I’ve even used vanilla extract once in a pinch, but it clumped up after a few days—yikes! If you want to try using vanilla extract, mix it into a cup of Tang powder or sugar (that you’re already adding to the wassail, not extra) before combining it with the rest of the mix.
- Ground Cloves – This is where the spiced flavor comes from. We keep it simple with cinnamon and cloves, but if you’re feeling adventurous (or extra “spicy”), try adding nutmeg, ginger, or both!
- Sugar – I have yet to find a good substitute for granulated sugar in this recipe. Believe me, I’ve desperately tried to create a sugar-free version, but every attempt has been a total fail. Apparently, the sugar is what makes it delicious. Who knew, right?
Step-by-step instructions
This wassail mix is so simple to make that it almost feels silly to give you instructions—but I’m the kind of person who still needs pictures, so here you go!
You literally just dump all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them together. I like to use a whisk to make sure everything combines nicely, but a spoon works just fine too. Easy peasy!
I store mine in a mason jar type canister with a chalk label on it.
To jar them as gifts, I use 8 oz jars and scoop a cup into each jar. It’s easiest to use a canning funnel, so it doesn’t wind up all over the counter.
Put the lid on, tie on a tag that tells them to add about two tablespoons to a mug of hot water and enjoy! You can download mine here!
So there you have it: cozy vibes, happy teenagers, and an easy way to share some holiday hospitality.
This wassail pairs perfectly with our Orange Cardamom Snickerdoodles. Now invite someone you don’t know very well over for wassail and snickerdoodles and learn about their life! Let us know how it goes in the comments!
Wassail Mix
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz Tang powder
- 2 packets Lemon Kool-Aid (not sweetened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp vanilla powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together 20 oz Tang, 2 cups sugar, 2 packets Lemon Kool-Aid, 1 Tbsp Cinnamon, 2 tsp. ground cloves, and 2 tsp. vanilla powder. Whisk until combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To serve: Mix two heaping spoonfulls (can add more to taste) of wassail powder to a mug of hot water. Stir and enjoy.
2 Comments
I made this for my neighbors this year!
This has such a warm, zingy flavor! A great different option for a winter hot drink!