Dating from the Middle Ages, Wassail is an old English toasting punch. Wassail takes it's name from a salutation, Wass hael, which translates as "be in good health." It is typically served in a wassail bowl and is passed around, with wass hael cheers greeting each guest. There are several variations, from red wine to ale, sherry, brandy, tea and differing juices. This recipe combines beer (more than likely the traditional base) with cider, which is how it is more commonly thought of today, and comes from Mittie Hellmich's excellent Ultimate Bar Book:
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Juice of 1 orange, plus peel
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus peel
- 8 oz hot water
- 32 oz brown ale
- 12 oz hard cider














