Copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail Recipe

Welcome to my copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe article! If you’ve ever visited Dollywood during the holiday season, you’ve probably tasted their famous holiday wassail. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple will transport you to a winter wonderland. While you can only enjoy this treat at the park, I’m here to show you how to make it at home.

This recipe is perfect for any holiday gathering, and it’s sure to impress your guests. The warm and cozy flavors will make you feel like you’re sitting by a fireplace on a snowy day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in a crockpot, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations while it simmers away.

So, whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of Dollywood’s holiday wassail, or you’re just looking for a delicious and easy holiday beverage, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a unique and delicious drink to serve at your next holiday party or family gathering? Look no further than this Copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe! This festive drink is sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling warm and cozy.

One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because of its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of apple juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice creates a sweet base that is perfectly balanced with the warmth of cinnamon sticks and ground nutmeg. Plus, the addition of honey and lemon juice adds a touch of tartness that really ties everything together.

Another reason why this recipe is so great is because it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and festive drink ready to serve in no time. And if you’re really short on time, you can even make it in a crockpot, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks.

But perhaps the best reason to love this recipe is because it’s a copycat of the famous Dollywood Holiday Wassail. If you’ve ever been to Dollywood during the holiday season, you know how amazing this drink is. And now, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home!

Overall, this Copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is the perfect drink for any holiday occasion. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it’s so beloved by so many?

Ingredient List

A warm and cozy mug of holiday wassail, perfect for sipping by the fire

Before we start with the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail Recipe. You’ll need 8 cups of apple juice, 3 cups of pineapple juice, and 3 cups of apple cider. For the spices, you’ll need 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. You’ll also need 1/3 cup of honey and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. The recipe calls for juice of 2 lemons, but you can adjust this to your taste. Additionally, you can add orange juice if desired. Get your ingredients ready, and let’s get started!

The Recipe How-To

A fragrant mix of spices adds depth and complexity to this delicious drink

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s start with the recipe how-to. Follow the step-by-step instructions below and you’ll have a delicious Dollywood Holiday Wassail in no time.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot or slow cooker, combine 8 cups of apple juice, 3 cups of pineapple juice, 3 cups of orange juice, and 1/3 cup of honey. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add Spices

Next, add 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and juice of 2 lemons to the pot. Stir until all of the spices are well combined.

Step 3: Simmer

Place the pot on the stove over medium heat or in a slow cooker on low heat. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 1-2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious, aromatic blend.

Step 4: Serve

Once the wassail is hot and the flavors have developed, remove the cinnamon sticks and serve in mugs. For a festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon.

Step 5: Enjoy

Sip, savor, and enjoy this delicious Dollywood Holiday Wassail with your loved ones. It’s perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy night in.

That’s it! This recipe is easy and straightforward, making it a great addition to your holiday recipe collection.

Substitutions and Variations

The bright orange slices and cinnamon sticks make this wassail as beautiful as it is tasty

One of the best things about this copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. While I recommend sticking to the original ingredients as much as possible for the authentic taste, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try out.

– Honey: If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use brown sugar or maple syrup instead. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

– Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

– Ground Nutmeg: If you don’t have ground nutmeg on hand, you can use ground cinnamon instead. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

– Cinnamon Sticks: While cinnamon sticks are a key ingredient in this recipe, you can use ground cinnamon if you don’t have any sticks on hand. However, keep in mind that this will change the texture and flavor profile slightly.

– Apple Juice: If you’re not a fan of apple juice or want to mix things up, you can use pear juice, white grape juice, or even cranberry juice instead.

– Pineapple Juice: If you want to add a tropical twist to the recipe, you can use orange juice or mango juice instead of pineapple juice.

– Crock Pot Christmas Wassail: If you want to make this recipe in a crock pot, simply follow the recipe as written and transfer the mixture to a crock pot for heating. This is perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to keep the wassail warm for extended periods.

– Mulled Cider Wassail: Another variation of this recipe is to use apple cider instead of apple juice. This will give the wassail a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Overall, the Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different juices or sweeteners to make this recipe your own.

Serving and Pairing

This recipe is a perfect alternative to traditional eggnog for holiday gatherings

The Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is a perfect beverage to serve at any holiday gathering. It is warm, spicy, and sweet, making it a great accompaniment to any holiday meal. The recipe yields 8 cups, so it’s perfect for serving a large group of people.

I recommend serving the wassail hot in a big punch bowl with cinnamon sticks for garnish. The aroma of the spices will fill the room and create a cozy and festive atmosphere. You can also serve it in individual mugs with a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple for a more personal touch.

When it comes to pairing, this holiday wassail goes well with a variety of dishes. It pairs perfectly with traditional holiday foods such as roasted turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes. It also complements sweet treats such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, and gingerbread cookies.

For an added touch, you can also serve the wassail with a splash of brandy or rum for the adults. This will give the beverage an extra kick and make it even more warming and comforting.

Overall, the Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is a versatile and delicious beverage that will complement any holiday gathering. So, be sure to make a big batch and enjoy it with your loved ones this holiday season!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The flavors of apple, cranberry and orange come together perfectly in this festive wassail

The Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and reheating when needed. In fact, the flavors actually deepen and become more complex after a day or two in the refrigerator.

To make ahead, simply prepare the recipe as directed and let cool to room temperature. Then, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in a crockpot until heated through.

If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, simply pour into a saucepan and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

One tip for reheating is to add a splash of water or apple juice to thin out the wassail if it has thickened in the refrigerator. You can also add additional spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to refresh the flavors.

Overall, this recipe is a great option for holiday gatherings, especially if you’re looking to make it ahead of time and save some stress on the day of the event. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious as the freshly made wassail, making it a great option to keep on hand throughout the holiday season.

Tips for Perfect Results

Add a splash of rum or brandy for an extra warming kick on a chilly night

To ensure that your copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail turns out perfectly, here are some tips that I would love to share with you.

Firstly, you can adjust the sweetness of the recipe by adding honey to it. Honey not only sweetens the drink but also gives it a unique flavor. So, if you like your wassail sweeter, add honey to taste.

Secondly, when adding the spices to the wassail, make sure to go easy on the ground nutmeg. It has a potent flavor and aroma, and adding too much can overpower the other ingredients. Use it sparingly, and you’ll get a perfect balance of flavors.

Thirdly, if you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon instead. But, I would recommend using sticks because it adds a distinct flavor and aroma to the wassail. You can also use a combination of both for a more intense flavor.

Fourthly, you can make your wassail in a crockpot or on the stove. If you’re making it on the stove, make sure to keep the heat low and simmer the wassail for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re using a crockpot, heat it on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Fifthly, you can add orange juice to the recipe to give it a citrusy flavor. It complements the other flavors perfectly and gives the wassail a refreshing twist.

Lastly, if you’re making the wassail for a holiday party, consider making a large batch of it. It is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing with your family and friends. Plus, it can be reheated easily, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe.

By following these tips, you’ll get a perfect copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe that will impress anyone who tries it.

FAQ

Now that you have all the details on how to make this delicious Dollywood Holiday Wassail recipe, you might have some questions. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about this recipe to help you out. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions or concerns.

What are the ingredients in wassail?

Wassail is a beverage that shares similarities with apple cider but is known for its distinctive taste. Historically, it was made with hard liquor, apples, brandy, and various spices. However, this recipe features a non-alcoholic version made with a blend of flavorful ingredients such as cloves, apples, cinnamon, lemon, orange, ginger, and nutmeg.

What is the difference between apple cider and Wassail?

If you’re wondering about the distinction between mulled cider, spiced cider, and wassail, there’s actually no difference between them. Essentially, they are all variations of a warm, spiced juice beverage. Although wassail is typically made with spiced apple juice, other mulled ciders may incorporate different flavors such as cranberry.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Copycat Dollywood Holiday Wassail Recipe is a perfect beverage for the holiday season. The combination of apple juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice with the warmth of cinnamon sticks and ground nutmeg creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your home with the holiday spirit. Whether you’re gathering with family and friends, hosting a holiday party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this holiday wassail recipe is a must-have.

With the tips and recommendations provided in this recipe article, you can easily prepare this beverage and impress your guests. You can also make substitutions and variations to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite holiday treats and pair it with your preferred alcoholic beverages.

This holiday season, let’s raise a glass of Dollywood Holiday Wassail and enjoy the warmth and joy of the season. And who knows, maybe with this recipe, you can even bring a little piece of Dollywood Christmas Parade 2022 to your home. Happy Holidays!