When the holiday season arrives, few drinks feel as festive and warming as a glass of wassail. Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is their take on the traditional spiced punch, filled with warm, cozy flavors like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a seasonal beverage to sip by the fire, this spiced juice blend will quickly become a holiday staple in your home.
At $4.49 for a 64-ounce bottle, Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail Punch provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of the holiday season, either on its own or as the base for some delicious holiday cocktails.
Product Description
Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is a spiced holiday punch made with a blend of juices, including apple, blackcurrant, and lemon, and infused with traditional warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. It’s sold as a ready-to-drink juice that can be enjoyed chilled or heated for a cozy winter treat. The rich, aromatic blend of spices gives this drink a distinctly holiday flavor that’s comforting and perfect for cold weather.
The punch has a dark, ruby color, and the combination of tart fruits with the deep spice mix offers a balanced and layered taste. The flavors of cinnamon and clove stand out the most, but the fruity base keeps it from being too heavy or overly spiced.
Honest Review of Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail Punch
Flavor: The flavor of Winter Wassail is both fruity and spiced, with the apple and blackcurrant juices providing a sweet and slightly tart base. The spices—especially the cinnamon and clove—add warmth and depth to the drink, making it taste like the holidays in a glass. It’s perfectly balanced, not too sweet, and not too spicy, which makes it versatile for both drinking as-is or using it as a base for other holiday beverages. Whether you drink it cold or warm it up on the stovetop, this drink hits the right festive notes.
Versatility: One of the best things about Winter Wassail is its versatility. It’s delicious straight from the bottle, but it also makes an excellent base for holiday cocktails or mulled wine. You can also mix it with club soda for a fizzy, lighter option, or heat it with some additional spices and fruits for a more traditional wassail experience. It’s also great as a non-alcoholic option for holiday parties, offering something special that everyone can enjoy.
Overall: This drink shines when heated up, as the warmth brings out the depth of the spices even more. It’s a quick and easy way to create a cozy, festive atmosphere without much effort. Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is also great for serving at holiday parties, and you can easily dress it up with garnishes like cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or cranberries for a more festive presentation.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Apple Juice: The main juice base provides a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
- Blackcurrant Juice: Adds depth and a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a hint of brightness and acidity.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger infuses the drink with its signature warm, holiday flavor.
How to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail
- Serve Chilled or Warm: You can enjoy Winter Wassail straight from the fridge for a refreshing, spiced drink, or heat it up on the stovetop for a more traditional, cozy wassail experience.
- Holiday Cocktails: Use Winter Wassail as a base for festive holiday cocktails. Mix it with bourbon, whiskey, or spiced rum for a warming winter punch.
- Mulled Wine Base: Combine Winter Wassail with red wine and additional spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves to create a delicious mulled wine for your holiday gatherings.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Heat the wassail with sliced oranges, cranberries, and a few extra spices for a non-alcoholic mulled punch that’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties.
Recipe Suggestions
- Spiked Winter Wassail: Heat up the wassail and add a shot of bourbon, whiskey, or rum for a boozy holiday treat. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.
- Wassail Mulled Wine: Mix equal parts of red wine and Winter Wassail in a pot, add some orange slices and extra cinnamon sticks, and heat on low until warmed through. Serve in mugs for a festive mulled wine.
- Sparkling Wassail Punch: Mix Winter Wassail with club soda or ginger ale for a light, fizzy holiday punch. Serve over ice with a garnish of cranberries and mint.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Winter Wassail
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Absolutely! Winter Wassail is a versatile base for cocktails, and it pairs particularly well with whiskey, rum, or brandy for a festive holiday drink.
No, Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is a non-alcoholic juice blend. However, it can easily be spiked with spirits for a festive cocktail.
Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 7–10 days for the best flavor.
Yes, Winter Wassail can be enjoyed cold or warm. Both options offer a delicious, spiced holiday flavor.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is a must-have for the holiday season, offering a festive blend of apple, blackcurrant, and lemon juices infused with warm spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. This spiced punch can be enjoyed cold or warm, making it a versatile addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire, serving it at a holiday party, or using it as a base for festive cocktails, Winter Wassail delivers holiday flavor and coziness. At $4.49, it’s an affordable and delicious way to bring the taste of the holidays to your home. Just be sure to grab a bottle before the season ends!
Do you love these reviews?
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
You can also FOLLOW ME on the following platforms by clicking the icons below:
Trader Joe's Winter Wassail Punch
Product Name: Trader Joe's Winter Wassail Punch
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is a spiced holiday punch perfect for sipping by the fire.
Price: $4.49
Summary
Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail is a spiced holiday punch perfect for sipping by the fire that can be used as a base for a mocktail, cocktail, or warm seasonal drink.
Pros
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails, mulled wine, or non-alcoholic holiday punches.
- Rich, Warm Spices: The blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg brings out that cozy holiday feeling.
- Affordable: At $4.49, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a festive drink.
- Non-Alcoholic: A great option for family gatherings or when you need a non-alcoholic beverage that still feels special.
Cons
- Seasonal Availability: Only available during the holiday season, so you’ll have to stock up if you want to enjoy it throughout the winter.
- Flavor Might Be Too Spicy for Some: If you’re not a fan of strong spices like cinnamon or clove, this drink may not be for you.
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.