The New Moon

What is Wassail Anyway?

“Here we come a-wassailing

Among the leaves so green,

Here we come a-wand’ring

So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you,

And to you your wassail, too,

And God bless you, and send you

A Happy New Year,

And God send you a Happy New Year.”

There you go! 

The wassail song we have heard all these years, but does anyone know what it is?

Wassail is a delicious and festive offering for the holidays. 

Wassail is traditionally enjoyed as an integral part of “wassailing”, an ancient English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest. 

The purpose of wassailing was/is to awaken the cider apple trees, scaring away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the Autumn.

Even though there are many variations of wassail recipes, here’s one we think you’ll enjoy.

WASSAIL RECIPE

Author: Colleen Kennedy

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  30 mins

Total time:  35 mins

This traditional festive holiday drink can be served with or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 ½ cups orange juice (no pulp)
• 6 oz can of pineapple juice
• 2 TBS fresh lemon juice
• 3 TBS sugar
• ¼ cup mulling spices OR to make your own mulling spice by combining 4 sticks of cinnamon, 3 long strips of orange rind, 1 TBS whole cloves and 1 TBS whole allspice berries.

Instructions

• Combine everything in a large pot; bring to a boil, stirring often. (If you have a metal spice ball, use it, if not, just throw it all in then pour through a strainer prior to serving or storing).
• Turn off the stove and let it sit for 30 minutes before reheating to serve.
• Serve it very warm like you would tea.
• You can make it ahead, refrigerate it and reheat as necessary.
• Wassail keeps well for 4-5 days.

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Happy New Moon