Warm up this holiday season with a traditional, robust and rich Wassail drink.
“Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too;
And God bless you and send you
a Happy New Year…”
Many of us are familiar with that tune, hearing it every Christmas more than likely. I’m old enough to remember carolers coming to our house, singing a handful of traditional tunes—including this one—then being invited in by my folks for some hot chocolate and a festive cookie or two. But because of a Claymation special on TV back when the California Raisins were a big deal, I thought that love and joy and waffles were ringing in the New Year.
So what exactly is tonight’s recipe, known as Wassail? Well, it’s two things actually. When carolers sing “here we come a wassailing”, it is in reference to an Olde English tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, where revelers would go from house to house and spread cheer, often singing and sharing with each other their wassail.
And the drink itself is a robust and warming elixir, comprised of a plethora of spices and fruits. From what I gathered, after falling down a rabbit hole of historical research, what we imbibe today is a pretty far cry from what was probably enjoyed hundreds of years before, and as such, no “official” version of wassail exists.
The traditions of goodwill, sharing, spreading joy and being neighborly still do thankfully, which is the most important ingredient in this festive potion.
What is the best alcohol to use in Wassail?
Our recipe suggests choosing between brandy, dark rum or applejack, the latter being an apple brandy mixed with a neutral grain alcohol. As this mélange is a mixture of allspice berries, orange, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other seasonal and festively rotund flavors, choose a spirit that you prefer and know well, or one that you’re unfamiliar with if you’re feeling adventurous. Any of these selections will complement the other elements in this concoction nicely.
Ingredients
- 1 thick orange slice
- 4 whole cloves
- 10 ounces unfiltered apple cider or apple juice
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 whole allspice berries
- 1 thin slice of fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 ounces brandy, dark rum, or applejack
- 1 small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Take your orange slice and stud it by pushing the whole cloves directly into it.
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, the clove-studded orange slice, the cinnamon stick, allspice berries, and ginger slice. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil as boiling can make the spices bitter. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently infuse for at least 15 minutes.
- Stir in the brandy, rum, or applejack. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof mug or glass, retaining the cinnamon stick.
- Grate a tiny pinch of fresh nutmeg over the top and garnish with the reserved cinnamon stick.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Any mug or handled glass that is made for hot beverages will do perfectly. Garnish with a cinnamon stick when you’re ready to start sipping.
Can this be made without any spirits?
Yes, simply omit the alcohol and continue prepping and serving as per the recipe’s instructions. You’ll still have a complex and rich taste every time you imbibe.
Other holiday recipes worth trying
Christmastime is more than just presents under the tree and Santa Claus eating all of your cookies. The most important part of the season is the time spent with those you love, be they friends or family. And part of that fun is sharing some holiday cheer around a roaring fire, with bright lights twinkling above. Below are a handful of festive mixtures to help you celebrate.
- Christmas Punch – Share this fruity, spiced and tart drink with those closest to you.
- Mulled Wine Sangria – Spiced, sweet and perfect for the holiday season.
- Christmas Cosmopolitan – A ruby red and festive-tasting tipple.
- Christmas Martini – Keep the Kringle happy with this creamy and chocolaty cocktail.
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