Easy Entertaining : Big Batch Winter Wassail Holiday Punch + Glittering Garnish
If you’re lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s nearby and need a festive holiday cocktail (or mocktail!) that’s as easy as it is delicious, this one’s for you! Bonus points if you serve it in a cute Christmas tree drink dispenser—mine’s from Target (shown first), but I’ve linked some adorable alternatives below.
Confession: I’d never heard of Wassail Punch until I spotted it at TJ’s. Turns out, it has some pretty cool history! Traditionally, it was part of good-will toasts, caroling, and door-to-door holiday well-wishing. (Imagine singing and sipping your way through the neighborhood—cheers to that!)
Trader Joe’s describes their version as “a festive beverage blend of apple, cherry, blackcurrant, and lemon juices…infused with holiday spices and orange peel.” Add vodka and bubbly for a cocktail that’s like drinking holiday cheer in a glass—light, not-too-sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Prefer a non-alcoholic option? It’s just as delicious on its own or mixed with lime sparkling water and garnishes!
As you know, we’re all about celebrating here…but also about keeping things simple! So if you don’t have the time (or desire) to make the sugared garnishes, no worries. Your guests will still be impressed, and you’ll spend less time prepping and more time enjoying. Pair it with a cheese board, charcuterie, or spiced Christmas cookies for an effortless spread.
Cheers to more joy, less stress, and spending the real happy hours with the ones who matter most! ❤️
Winter Wassail Holiday Punch
Ingredients (serves 10–20 depending on your glass size):
8 cups Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail Punch
3 cups vodka (I used Tito’s)
3-ish cups Prosecco, sparkling wine, or champagne (I used La Marca)
Optional garnishes: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, Trader Joe’s sweetened dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, apple slices
Directions:
Combine Wassail Punch and vodka in a dispenser, pitcher, or punch bowl. Add apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and orange slices for extra flair. (Pro tip: You can prep this hours before your party—and it gets better as it sits!)
To serve: Fill a highball or wine glass halfway with ice, add the punch mixture about ⅔ of the way, and top with the bubbles.
Garnish to your heart’s content and enjoy the “oohs” and “ahhs” from your guests.
Want to taste test before making a big batch? Scale it down: 2 parts Wassail Punch, 1 part vodka, and a splash of bubbly in a single glass.
Sugared Garnishes
(Optional but Easy + Fancy!)
These sparkly cranberries and rosemary sprigs make your punch (or cheese board) extra special!
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
1 cup water
1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
10–15 rosemary sprigs
Directions:
Prep 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper.
Heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water on medium-low, stirring occasionally until dissolved to make simple syrup. Remove from heat.
Dip cranberries and rosemary in syrup (work in batches). Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing the excess to drip off, and spread in a single layer on parchment paper. Let dry 1 hour.
Add the remaining sugar to a shallow dish or bowl. Working in batches, roll the cranberries in it to coat. Sprinkle sugar over rosemary for best results. Transfer onto the 2nd pan with parchment paper and let dry another hour.
That’s it! These garnishes are as pretty as they are easy—perfect for cocktails, charcuterie boards, or even as edible decorations!
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