Wassail

Wassail has become one of my favorite drinks in the recent winter months. First, what is wassail? Wassail is either a hot cider or any kind of citrusy drink with spices. Some people add alcohol – you won’t see that version here. My favorite version consists of a little of everything: cider, citrus, and spices.

Wassail comes from a medieval tradition of drinking cider in an orchard while singing incantations and blessings on the trees. This was supposed to help promote a good harvest the following year. Some people think of wassailing these days as singing and bringing general merriment through town or door to door, much like caroling.

If you know me, you know I like history. I like the idea that this drink is old and has some historical significance. I also love the smell. Wassail will make your house smell like Christmas. Ugh, if only you could transfer smell through the internet. Sitting down in front of the fire, watching Christmas movies, Christmas lights on, drinking a hot mug of wassail is one of my favorite things. It should be one of yours too!

A couple tips – use a nice sturdy metal pot – not aluminium. I love my Cuisinart pots. You’ll also need cinnamon sticks. I always keep some around for making this and horchata. You can get them at that link (see disclosure at the bottom of the page) or in the baking isle at the grocery store.

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Wassail

A hot drink combining cider, spices, and citrus that will make your house smell like Christmas and is the perfect drink to warm you up on a winter day.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Servings 10

Ingredients

• 2 quarts apple cider or juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• ½ can frozen pineapple juice thawed
• 1 cup lemon juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp cloves

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Stir together and heat until boiling. Let simmer for one hour. Serve hot. Double the recipe for large groups.