What is one of the smells that instantly reminds you of Christmas?

A smell that instantly reminds me of Christmas is Wassail. Wassail is my favorite Christmas drink to make. It is a non-alcoholic, citrusy blend that delivers a comforting dose of vitamin C during the cold season and smells as delightful as it tastes. The word wassail originated in the 18th-century England as a greeting, meaning “a toast to good health,” later evolving to describe caroling from door to door, and today it’s also known as a cozy apple cider drink. The recipe I use begins with apple cider—not juice—as the base, combined with orange juice, pineapple juice, whole cloves pressed into a whole apple, an orange, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of nutmeg. Some variations include star anise or lemon slices, though I prefer to keep mine simple. Simmered in a crock pot or on the stove for an hour—or even all day—the flavors infuse into a warm, fragrant drink perfect for sipping by the fire on a chilly day. For years, I’ve made a crock each Christmas season at my office, filling the hallway with its inviting aroma and drawing everyone together in the breakroom. Wassail has become more than a drink; it’s a tradition that embodies comfort, connection, and cheer. Cheers to you and yours from Kicking the Chaos with Kaylin.

🍎 Wassail Recipe Card

Ingredients

2 quarts apple cider (not juice)

2 cups orange juice

1 cup pineapple juice

10 whole cloves (pressed into an apple)

1 whole

1 sliced orange

A handful of cranberries

5–7 cinnamon sticks

Pinch of nutmeg

(Optional: star anise, sliced lemon) (Optional if you want to make your version

with alcohol, add a splash of peach schnapps or apple pie moonshine)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot or large pot.

Simmer for at least 1 hour or let it infuse all day for deeper flavor.

Serve warm in mugs, curled up by the fire or shared with friends.