Raising the Bar -- Wassail

by Keith Waldbauer, Posted Nov 15th 2007 @ 3:42PM

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

In a large, non-aluminum pot, combine the spices, brown sugar, and orange and lemon juice and spiral peels with the hot water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot. Add the ale and cider and cook until steaming (not boiling). Ladle into warmed heat-resistant mugs. Makes six servings.

For another take, see the Tea and Cider Wassail recipe on KitchenDaily.

Filed Under: Drinks, Spirits, Cocktails, Holidays, Raising The Bar
Tags: holidash

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Reader comments (Page 2 of 2)

12-01-2007 @12:03PM Rachel said... Is there any way to make this drink "Spectacular" without adding any Alcohol?
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12-01-2007 @12:01PM Curious Mom said... Is there any way to make this non-alcoholic? I'm sure there is, but does anyone have any suggestions as to substitutes? Could I boil the alcohol out perhaps? Thanks in advance! The last thing I need is a gaggle of drunken kidlets.
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12-04-2007 @8:18PM Tracy said... try hard cider
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12-08-2007 @8:03PM Karen said... i just made this drink about 5 min. ago and its sooo delicious its actually warming me up really nice! I love it and i would do it again and again!!!
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12-11-2007 @12:04AM wendy said... anyone want to come to my party Dec. 23 in Potomac Falls VA and bring some of this??!!! :)
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12-20-2007 @10:12AM rietzke6@aol.com said... Myfirst time to try this recipe
Rich
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12-26-2007 @2:35AM Dora said... 4. You can make your own Hard Cider. Use regular apple cider (not apple Juice). Read the label to make sure it contains no preservative. Just let the apple cider sit in it's jug in a cool place (not fridge)for a week or two. Mage sure the bottle top is removed or it will blow up. It is the best drink there is. There is nothing like a Hard Cider high!
Anne at 4:59PM on Nov 16th 2007

Question: Do you put anything over the top to keep dust and bugs out?

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12-26-2007 @5:48AM s s said... I first had hard cider at the midevil times show in the fall. Watch out! It can zonk you. I found a large selection of it at totally wine and more in cherry hill new jersey. Original sin is good but pricey.
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