A sugar-free cranberry wassail can be enjoyed during any season of the year, not just in the holiday season. Drink the sugar free wassail cold during the summer months as a refreshing juice and warm during the winter months as a warming wassail. There are so many benefits to drinking something that is not infiltrated with a sugary mixture. I love this cranberry wassail simplicity because it can be so easy to make, yet so delightful to smell. This is a great drink to make for children to replace that juice box! My child begs for this sugar-free wassail during the summer and winter months.

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1 Sweetened Sugar Free Wassail

7.4 Recommended Products

7.4.1 Nutrition Information:

Starting in October there is something alluring about the smells of the upcoming season. Here in Minnesota, small shops are starting to produce Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, calming music is playing, apple orchards are in full swing, and the smells of cinnamon, clove, ginger, orange, and peppermint and permeating the atmosphere. There is something quite delightful about the changing of the season. The smell of a cranberry wassail simmering on the stove says "Christmas!"

I'm always starting to plan my Christmas season with this helpful planner, including the meals and drinks of the season that I will be using. This sugar-free wassail is always my top drink for parties and holiday gatherings. If you are interested in the planner that I use, just click this lin k .

Although, Midwesterners are not relishing the thought of knee-high snow, freezing weather, snow blowers, 4-wheel drive, digging out of snowdrifts, and the catastrophe that is Minnesota commuting; we still are looking forward to the change of pace that winter brings.

Sweetened Sugar Free Wassail

Delightful drinks are one of the things that make the winter season bearable. As the winter wind howls the luscious smells of holiday aromas are a peaceful reminder that all is well. Yet these drinks also tend to need ample sugar as their fruits are tart and tangy. A THM cranberry wassail can be just the key to kicking out those nasty sugars.

Sugar-free cranberry wassail solves many of the sugary problems by sweetening it with natural fruit and herbs. The added boost of elderberries makes it almost into an elixir, and having the added elderberry power, makes it an ideal drink to bring to a holiday gathering where germs abound! Stevia is a lovely herb that I often grow in my own garden, but the powdery extract from pure stevia is a lot easier than natural leaves.

It can't get much better than sitting down on a snowy evening and sipping on a cranberry wassail! Find the recipe below!

Ingredients

Water
Cranberries
Cloves
Orange peels (optional)
Orange extract
Dried elderberries
Stevia
Cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon powder

See the recipe card for the full ingredients list.

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a large pot.

Cover with water Let simmer on low heat for at least an hour.

The cranberries should pop, which is one way of knowing your wassail is done.

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can vary it based on what you have on hand! Dried orange peels work great, but you could also use fresh oranges or cuties, or whatever else that is citrus that you have in your fridge!

Here are a few other variations that you could add to the recipe!

Anise Extract
FreshOrange Slices
Dried Elderberry
Apples
Brandy (for a real Wassail)
Lemon
Ginger (fresh is wonderful!)
Nutmeg

FAQ

What is Wassail?

A wassail is traditionally a winter drink that is warmed and spiced. Yummy, it sounds delicious. It originated as a Medieval Christmastide English tradition to take wassailing. If you do a Google search on wassailing, you will come up with a variety of definitions, but it usually involves a bit of rowdy behavior. This drink is certainly not rowdy! It is a simple THM cranberry wassail that is a healing and delicious drink to enjoy in the winter or summer months!

How long does Wassail keep?

If you are using this THM cranberry wassail recipe during the holiday season, you can refrigerate it and reheat it multiple times. However, I would not reheat it more than a few times. More than 3-4 times can compromise its delicious taste! Over a week in the refrigerator also increases its likelihood of developing a bit of a tang due to the cranberries fermenting.

What are the Benefits of Cranberries in a Wassail?

Cranberries are generally considered a superfood due to their high nutrients and antioxidants. Certain studies have linked the regular consumption of cranberries to lowering the risk of cancer, UTI's, and lowering high blood pressure. Pretty amazing stuff!

One cup of cranberries only has about 25 calories! It also has a large range of vitamin B including B-1, B-2, B3, and B6! Its large amounts of vitamin C make it a great immune-boosting plant. It also excels at offering a good dose of fiber.

How long can you Freeze Cranberries?

Most sources will say that you can freeze cranberries for about 2 months. However, the secret is out! I have frozen for much longer than that. This wassail is a staple in my house well into the summer months. It is a fantastic alternative to sugar-laden juices and my children enjoy this much more than a sugary drink purchased from the store.

What is the difference between apple cider and wassail?

Not much! A mulled spiced apple cider and a wassail are very similar. It really depends on tradition and the area of the country or world you are located in. An apple cider will tend to have a more 'juice' flavor and base, while a wassail is more spiced-based.

Would you like to learn more about Trim Healthy Mama? This THM Cranberry Wassail is just one recipe in the midst of dozens of resources that I have available for YOU! I'd love to walk you through the lifestyle that has changed my life.