The word wassail “Waes Hael” actually means “to your good health.” Traditionally, in old European countries, neighbors would go from neighbor to neighbor’s home bringing something to add to the punch bowl. More often than not, the punch would consist of an apple cider base and a variety of other fruits.

This was a way of showing friendship and warm wishes during the Christmas season. Most of us know the song sung during the Christmas Season called “Here we come a Caroling.” This song was first titled “Here we come a Wassailing.” I think toasting to others good health is a wonderful expression of caring.

In our home, wassail is a must during the cold weather holidays. We have found that there is a variety of recipes. I haven’t found in my recipe searching any wassails that aren’t based on apple cider or apple juice and we all know that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

We often serve wassail as a pre-dinner drink and it is also a pleasant alternative to hot chocolate. Wassail is also a fun way to warm up after being out in the cold, hunting for that perfect Christmas tree. Keep it simmering in a crock pot while you are out.

To add a little holiday cheer and wishes of good health to your neighbors and to wish them a happy holiday season, you could take your neighbors some homemade wassail in a 2 quart jar with a ribbon and a note describing the meaning of the wassail and expressing your desire to wish them good health. Most people enjoy having a recipe attached so they can enjoy making it themselves. It would also be an enjoyable way to entertain by inviting neighbors over for a toast of good health – thanking them for being great neighbors. It becomes even more of a party if you ask each neighbor to bring a healthy appetizer.

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English Wassail

1 gallon cider
¾ cup lemon juice
4 cups orange juice
½ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
½ cup sugar
2½ Teaspoons ground allspice

Combine all the above ingredients in a large pot; bring to a boil. Let set overnight in covered pot; reheat we ready to use. Strain through a cloth (optional).

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Citrus Wassail

2 quarts of apple cider
4 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
2 Teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup brown sugar
24 whole cloves
4 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
2 large oranges cut in slices

In a large pot, over medium heat, add apple cider, brown sugar, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, add citrus juices and turn stove down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Float oranges slices on top of drink.

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Cranberry Wassail

½ gallon apple cider
½ gallon of cranberry juice
¾ cup lemon juice
2 cups pineapple juice
18 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Teaspoon ground all spice
½ Teaspoon ground ginger

In a large pot, combine cider, cranberry juice, pineapple and lemon juices; add spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm and garnish with a thin slice of orange.

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Christmas Wassail

1 gallon apple cider
1 quart orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup brown sugar
4 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
18 – 24 whole cloves

In a large pot, add all the above ingredients; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

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Cinnamon Candy Wassail

1 gallon apple cider
2 liter bottle of Sprite
24 whole cloves
¾ cup red hot candies

In a large pot, heat apple cider and Sprite. Reduce heat, add red hot candies and simmer until melted. Remove cloves and serve hot.

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