Wassail is a traditional holiday drink,
which has been served for centuries around the time of Yule. It is
enjoyed by many people, not just Pagans. It originated from the
Norse, and you can actually buy drinking horns online (or make your own)
if you want to enjoy Wassail the truly traditional sense. The word
comes from the old Norse toast, "Ves Heill," meaning "be
in good health." There are several variations of this recipe
- here are a few of them.
You will need:
6 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 1/2 cups pineapple juice
Heat cider and cinnamon stick in dutch
oven. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and
simmer 5 minutes longer. Serve. You can also add rum to this
recipe (to taste).
Here is another variation on this recipe.
You will need:
2 1/4 cups white sugar
4 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 slice fresh ginger root
4 cups orange juice
2 cups lemon juice
8 cups apple juice
8 whole allspice berries
1 tbsp whole cloves
Combine sugar and water in a large pot (dutch
oven). Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add
cinnamon, allspice, ginger and cloves. Cover and let stand for 1
hour.
Strain liquid into a large pot. Just before serving, add apple,
orange, and lemon juice and bring to boil. Remove from heat and
serve. You may add rum to this recipe as well.
Here is yet another (non-alcoholic) variation on
this recipe.
You will need:
2 cups cranberry juice
2/3 cup white sugar
7 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole allspice
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple juice
6 oz. frozen concentrated fruit punch
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
In a large pot over medium heat, combine
water, sugar, and cranberry juice. Bring to a boil and stir until
the sugar is dissolved.
Place the cinnamon, allspice and cloves into a cheesecloth bag and close
tightly. Add to the liquid and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove the spices. Just before serving, add the remaining
ingredients (juices). Serve steaming hot.
